HAUSA FOLK-LORE
II
OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS
LONDON EDINBURGH GLASGOW NEW YORK
TORONTO MELBOURNE BOMBAY
HUMPHREY MILFORD M.A.
PUBLISHER TO THE UNIVERSITY
PLATE I
CHIEF, WIVES, AND RETINUE
[Front.
HAUSA FOLK-LORE
CUSTOMS, PROVERBS, ETC.
COLLECTED AND TRANSLITERATED WITH ENGLISH
TRANSLATION AND NOTES
BY
R. SUTHERLAND RATTRAY, F.R.G.S., F.R.A.I.
OF EXETER COLLEGE, OXFORD
ASSISTANT DISTRICT COMMISSIONER, ASHANTI, WEST AFRICA
AUTHOR OF 'CHINYANJA FOLK-LORE'
QUALIFIED INTERPRETER IN HAUSA, T&I, CHINYANJA, MOLE
IN TWO VOLUMES : VOL. II
OXFORD
AT THE CLARENDON PRESS
1913
CONTENTS OF VOL. II
PART III
PAGE
ANIMAL STORIES:
22. The lion and the leopard ....... 10
23. The water of Ladi and how the hyena was made to
disgorge the maiden he had eaten . . . .14
24. The lizard and the hyena, and how the latter came to
leave the home and live in the bush . . . .26
25. The he-goat and how he came to be a domestic animal,
while the lion, the leopard, and the hyena, live in the
bush 34
26. The beetle and how he got his thatching done for him . 58
27. The spider and the lion 74
28. The spider and the crows 88
29. The spider and the Dodo .106
30. The spider, and the hippo, and the elephant . . .124
PART IV
CUSTOMS AND ARTS:
31. Marriage, the bride, and naming of a child . . .150
32. Marriage, the bridegroom, and telling the age a girl has her
menses . . .170
33. Marriage of a widow or divorced person . . . .174
34. The actual marriage ceremony 178
35. The birth of a child 186
36. The naming of a child 188
37. Circumcision 192
38. Removal of the clitoris of a girl 200
39. Burial customs, preparing the body (general) . . . 204
6 CONTENTS
PAGE
40. Burial customs, the digging of the grave . . . .214
41. Burial customs, washing of the corpse . . . .218
42. Trading 222
43. Buying of ' cloths '...... . 230
ARTS:
44. How ' Benin ' figures are made . -234
45. Tanning, and dyeing of leather 244
46. How ' kuloko ' is made 248
PART V
PROVERBS. 133 Proverbs 251
PART VI
NOTES 281
ILLUSTRATIONS
PLATE I. Chief, wives, and retinue . . Frontispiece
PLATE II. Heads, showing cire perdue method of casting,
front view .... to face page 240
PLATE III. Heads, showing cire perdue method of casting,
side view to face page 242
WAN AN BABI NB NA GATANAR
NAMUN DAJI
THIS IS THE BEGINNING OF TALES
ABOUT WILD ANIMALS
io ANIMAL STORIES. No. 22
NO. 22.
Wanan tatsunlar zaki che
da damisa.
1 Gatanan, gatanan, ta je, ta komo. Zaki,
da shi, da damisa, su-ka-gamu wurin farauta. Zaki
3 ya kashe nama, ya aje, ya tafi shi-na-bidan wani.
Sai damisa ya tafo, ya ishe nama, babu kowa.
Shi kua ya ji yunwa, sai ya tsuguna, shi-na-chi. Sai
zaki ya tarda shi, shi-na-chi. Sai zaki ya kama
shi. Da kokua, su-na-kokua, sai kura
ta zo. Ta-na-wuchewa da hamzari. Ba ta che masu
komi ba. Ashe fakara ta-na bisa itache, 3 ta-na
-ganin kura, sai ta che, ' Ke kura ki-na-gani
mainya su-na-fada, ki-na-wuchewa, ba ki raba su.'
This story is about a lion and a leopard. A story, a story.
Let it go. Let it come. A lion and a leopard met (when)
out hunting. The lion killed some game, put it away, (and)
went off to look for some more. And the leopard came
(and) found the meat, with no one near it. Now he felt
hungry, so he squatted down and was eating (it). And the
lion came across him as he was eating; and the lion seized
him. They were struggling and wrestling, when a hyena
came up. He was scuttling past, and did not say anything
to them ; but a bush fowl was up above on a tree, (and) she
saw the hyena, (and) she said, ' You, hyena, you see the great
ones quarrelling, (and) you pass on (and) do not separate
them.'
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12 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 22
Sai ta 4kyale, ta-na-5 tafia tata. Sai zaki ya daka
mata tsawa, ya che, ' Ke, kura, komo.' Sai ta ko-
-mo, ta che,
' Zaki bari, damisa ban, fadanku na mainya, wa shi ke shiga,
sai wawa, sai mahaukachi ? '
Sai zaki ya ji dadi, sai ya 6 kwashi rawa, ya tafi
da nisa. Damisa shi kuma ya ji dadi, ya kwa-
-shi rawa, ya tafi da nisa. Ba su komo maza ba.
Sai 7 kura ta gudu. Shi ke nan. 8 Kungurus
kan kusu.
But she paid no attention, (and) was going off her own way.
But the lion roared out at her (and) said, 4 You, hyena, come
back.' So she returned and said, (sang)
'Lion, leave off! leopard, leave off!
Your fighting is the quarrelling of the mighty ones,
Who is going to mix himself up in it
Except a fool, except a madman ? '
Now the lion felt tickled (by the tune) and danced off to it
and went far away. The leopard too was pleased (with the
song) (and) he commenced to dance, (and) went far away.
They did not soon return. And the hyena ran off, That is
all. Off with the rat's head.
14 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 23
No. 23.
Wanan tatsuniar man Ladi.
che.
Wani mahalbi l ya yi gida tsakar daji. Ya haifi diansa
bm. Ya mutu, ya bar su, da mache da namiji. Su-na nan, kulum
namiji shi tafi farauta, shi bar kanwa tasa a-gida,
shi dauki kaia, shi 2 toshe bakin kofa. Idan ya
tafo daka daji sai shi che, ' Fatsimatan, Fatsimatan,
Magira, bude mani kofa in shiga Magira,
bude mani kofa in shiga, in fita, glwar gari.'
Kulum idan ya fito daka daji, hakanan shi ke yi.
Ashe kura ta ji. Ranan ya tafi daji. Sai 3kura
ta zo, ta che, ' 4 Fajimata, Fajimata, Majia, buje mani
kofa in shiga Majia, bude mani kofa in shiga,
giwa gai.' Sai yarinya ta che, ' Ai 5 na san ki
This story is about the water of Ladi. A certain hunter
made a hut in the middle of the bush. He begat two children.
He died and left them, a girl and a boy. And so they lived ;
and always the man (when) he went to hunt (and) left his
sister in the house, took thorns, (and) shut up the entrance to
the door. If he returned from the bush then he said,
4 Fatsimata, Fatsimata, Magira, open the door for me to enter,
Magira. Open the door for me to enter, to come out, the
elephant of the town.' Always if he came from the bush he
used to do this. Now of a truth the hyena overheard (him).
One day he went to the bush. Then the hyena came and
said, ' Fajimata, Fajimata, Majia, open je door for me that
I may enter, Majia. Open de door for me to enter, the
elephant of je town.1 But the girl said, ' No, I have known
you,
$&H$y
1 6 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 23
ke che kura,' Sai kura ta koma, ta tafi
wurin zaki, ta karbo magani wurin zaki,
na 6 yamin baki, ta zo, ta che, ' Fatsimatan, Fa-
-tsimatan, Magira, bude mani kofa in shiga
Magira, bude mani kofa in shiga, in fita,
giwar gari.'
Sai yarinya ta bude kofa, sai kura
ta kame ta, ta hadie. Sai wan yarinya
ya komo daka daji, ya che,
' Fatsimatan, Fatsimatan, Magira, bude mani kofa
Magira, bude mani kofa in shiga, in fita,
giwar gari.'
Sai ya ji shiru ; ya kara, bai ji ta amsa ba,
you are the hyena.' Then the hyena went off, (and) went to
the lion. She received from the lion medicine for curing a
lisp, and came back, (and) said, 'Fatsimata, Fatsimata, Magira,
open the door that I may enter, Magira, open the door that
I may enter, that I may come out, the elephant of the town.'
So the maiden opened the door, and the hyena seized her,
(and) swallowed her. And the elder brother of the girl
returned from the bush and said, ' Fatsimata, Fatsimata, Magira,
open the door for me, Magira, open the door for me to enter,
to come out, the elephant of the town.' Then he was silent ;
he repeated it again ; he did not hear her answer,
•
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i8 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 23
har sau uku, sai ya yi kokari, ya bude kofa.
Ya shiga, bai gani yarinya ba. Sai ya fita, ya dauki
goransa, shi-na-tafia har ya kai bakin ramen
kura, ya gani 7 alagidigua da zanen yarinya,
shi-na-kwanche bakin rame. Sai ya che, ' Abin nan kura
ta yi shi.' Sai ya wuche. Akwai wani tabki da na-
-mun daji duka nan 8 su-ke-shan rua. Sai ya je nan, babu
wani rua kuma, ya dauki goransa na magani,
ya kwalfe rua nan duka. Ya je, ya hau bisa itache,
shi-na-zamne. Sai garken giwa ya zo, 9 zaa su
shan rua. Sai ya che, ' Ke giwa ina zaa ki ? ' Ta che,
' Zaa ni man Ladi.' Sai ya che, ' Ruan Ladi 10 ya kafe.
till (he repeated the words) three times, then he tried hard
(and) opened the door. He entered, he did not see the
maiden. Then he came out, lifted his calabash, and travelled
until he reached the mouth of the hyena's den. He saw the
girl's waist-beads and cloth lying at the mouth of the hole.
And he said, ' This thing the hyena did,1 and he passed on.
Now there was a certain pool where all the wild animals of
the place were wont to drink water. And he went there,
there was no other water but this. He lifted up his magic
calabash and scooped up all the water there, (and) went and
climbed up a tree and was sitting there. Then a herd of
elephants came, (and) were going to drink the water, when he
said (to one), 'You there, elephant, where are you going
to ? ' She replied, * I am going to the water of Ladi.' And
he said, ' The water of Ladi has dried up.
20 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 23
11 Daa kin ba ni ma-chi kanwana, daa na ba ki ruan Ladi.'
Sai giwa ta yi amai chlawa da ta chi, ' Hab 1 ka ga abinda
na chi, hab ! abin chiki sai tunbi.' Sai giwa
ta wuche, ta je, ta kwanta, ta na haki.
Garken bauna ya tafo, sai yaro ya che,
4 Ke bauna ina zaa ki ? ' Ta che, ' Zaa ni ruan Ladi.' Ya che,
4 Ruan Ladi ya kafe, daa kin ba ni ma-chi kanwana, daa na ba
ki ruan Ladi.' Sai bauna ta che, 4 Hab ! ka ga abinda
na chi, abin chiki sai tunbi.' Kowane garken
namun daji ya zo, hakanan shi ke tanbaya su, su
kuma hakanan su ke amsa masa, saanan
su wuche, su je bakin rafi, su kwanta, su-na-
-haki, har namun daji duka su-ka-wuche. Sauran
When you have given up to me the one who ate my sister,
then I have given you back the water of Ladi.1 So the
elephant brought up the grass she had eaten, saying, * Hab !
you have seen what I ate, what is inside me now is only my
stomach.' And the elephant passed on and went, (and) lay
down, she was panting. A herd of bush-cows came up, and
the boy said (to one), 4 You, bush- cow, where are you going ? '
And she said, 4 1 am going to the water of Ladi.' He said,
' The water of Ladi has dried. When you have given me him
who has eaten my sister, then I have given you the water
of Ladi.' Then the bush-cow said, ' Hab ! you have seen
what I ate, what is inside is only my stomach.' Whatever
herd of wild animals came it was so ; he used to ask them,
(and) they too made answer so, and then passed on, (and)
went to the edge of the pool, and lay down (and) were
panting, until all the wild animals in the bush had passed.
There remained
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22 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 23
garken kura. Sai su-ka-tafo, kura wada ta chi
kanwa tasa ta-na-gaba, ta-na-hamzari, ta je, ta sha
ma. Sai ya che, ' Ke kura ina zaa ki ? ' Ta che, ' Zaa ni
yuan Yadi.' Ya che, ' Ruan Ladi ya kafe, daa kin ba ni ma chi
kanwata daa na ba ki man Ladi.' Shiru ! har sau
uku, ba ta tanka ba. Sai zaki ya ji haushi,
sai ya zaabura, ya kama ta, ya tsaga ta blu, sai
yarinya ta fito. Sai zaki ya che, ' Ga kanwarka.'
Shi kua ya 12 bulbule masu rua, domin da ya gani kanwa
tasa da rai. Sai namun daji su-ka-rika 13ribibi
shan ma, mainya mainya su ka take
kankanana, su-ka-mutu dayawa. Sai ya-
-ro ya sabko daka bisa, da su-ka-watse ;
the house of the hyena. Then they came up ; the hyena
which had eaten his sister was in front ; she was in great haste
to come (and) drink water. And he said, * You, hyena, where
are you going ? ' And she said, ' I am going to the yater of
Yadi.' He said, ' The water of Ladi is dried up. If you have
given me the one who ate my sister then I have given you the
water of Ladi.' Silence reigned until (he had repeated it)
three times. She did not answer. But the lion got angry,
and he sprang, (and) caught her, (and) tore her in two, and
the maiden came forth. And the lion said, 'Behold your
sister.' So he (the hunter) poured out the water for them
because he had found his sister alive. Thereupon the wild
beasts began to rush to the water to drink, the great ones
trampled on the little ones, many died. And the boy got
down from up above when they had dispersed ;
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24 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 23
ya yi uta kwasa nama, har ya gaji. Ya tafi wani gari
ya yi 15 gaya. Su ma su-ka-kwache nama, har
su-ka-bar shi nan. Shi ke nan. 16 Kungurus
kan kusu.
he collected meat, till he was weary. He went to another
town and summoned help. They too collected meat till they
even left some there (there was so much). That is it. Off
with the rat's head.
26 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 24
No. 24.
Wanan tatsuniar damo che.
1 Gatanan, gatanan, ta je, ta komo. 2 Maatar 3 kura
4 ta tafi wurin diba wuta, zaa ta yi dafua. Sai
ta taras ana-kokua, kowa ya yi kaye, sai
shi dauki wanda ya kayas, shi je, shi chi. Sai maatar
kura ta che, gada ta zo su yi kokua. Sai
gada ta fito, su-ka-kama kokua, sai kura
ta kada gada, sai ta dunkule, ta damre, ta kai
gida. Sai mijinta ya che, ' Ina ki-ka-samu ? '
Ta che, ' 5 Na je na taras ana-wasan kokua ne,
kowa ya kayas shi dauki wanda ya kayas,
shi chi, sai ni kua na che shi zo mu yi kokua,
sai ya fito mu-ka-yi kokua da shi. Na 6 kashe shi.
This is a story about a lizard. A story, a story. Let it
go. Let it come. The wife of the hyena went to a place for
getting fire, in order to cook, and she came across people
who were wrestling ; whoever won a fall took up him whom
he had thrown (and) came (and) ate him. And the wife of
the hyena said the antelope was to come forward and they
would wrestle. So one came out and they wrestled, and the
hyena threw the antelope, and she rolled him up, (and) tied
him, (and) brought him home. And her husband said,
1 Where did you get (him) ? ' She said, ' I have gone and
found people playing at wrestling ; whoever threw (another)
was to lift up the one thrown down and eat him. So I too
said he was to come forward and we should wrestle, and he
came out and we (I) wrestled with him. I threw him.
28 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 24
Sai su-ka-che in dauki, sai na dauki, na zo da shi.1
Sai mijinta ya che, ' Ba ni kadan.' Ta ba shi. Sai ya che, ' Kara mani.'
Ta kara masa, ya chainye. Da ya ji dadi, sai ya che,
* Dauki duka ki ba ni in chainye, idan 7 na je, ni ma
naa kayar naa kawo mu chi.1 Da ya gani kamar zaa ta Ida,
sai ya che, ' Ba ni, ke ma da ki ke mache, kin kayar,
bale ni namiji ! ' Sai ta dauki duka, ta ba shi, ya chi.
Sai ya tashi, ya tuma, ya buga katara, ya che, ' Idan na
je, naa kashe su, su duka, in kawo
mu chi.' Sai ya tafi. Maatar tasa ta-na-yi masa
8 adaa, ta-na-che, ' Ala shi sa shi kashe su duka.'
Shi kua da zuansa, sai ya gani damo
shi na zamne bisa itache, sai ya che,
And they told me to take him away. And I lifted him up (and) brought
him (here).' And her husband said, ' Give me a small piece.' She gave
him. And he said, ' Give me some more.' She gave him some more,
he ate it up. When he found it good then he said, ' Lift it all and give
me to eat. When I have gone (there) I shall easily throw some one
and bring back and we shall eat.' When he saw she was apparently
going to refuse then he said, ' Give me. As for you who are a woman,
you have thrown (some one) ; how much more I who am a man ! ' So
she took all and gave him. He ate. Then he rose up, jumped and hit
(his) thigh, (and) he said, 'When I have come (to the place) I shall
throw them, all of them, (and) bring (and) we shall eat.' So he set out.
His wife wished him good luck. She said, * May Allah cause him to
throw them all.' As for him, on his arrival, he saw a lizard sitting
on a tree ; and he said,
3o ANIMAL STORIES. No. 24
* Kai 9 sabko, mu yi da kai.' Sai aka-che, ' Kai bako
ne, ba ka sani ba ne, ai sarkin gari ke nan ? ' Sai
kura ya che, ' Shi sabko naa yi da shi.' Aka-che,
' Ke kura kar ki nidi kainke.' Ya che, ' Shi dai,
shi sabko, naa yi da shi.' Yau damo ya sabko,
Su-ka-kama kokua. Sai damo ya dauki
wutsia tasa, ya nade kafafun kure, sai
ya kashe shi. Sai ana-shiri, a-damre kure,
sai ya zaabura, ya tashi, ya sheka, su-ka-bi shi,
zaa su kama shi. Ya tsere, ya je, ya tarda maatarsa,
ta fura wuta, ta-na-jiran nama. Sai ya zamna.
Shi na fuchi, jikinsa na-makarkata.
Sai ta che, ' Me ya faru ? ' Sai ya che, ' Na je, na gamu
'You get down. Let us try conclusions with you.' And
they (the people assembled there) said, 'You are evidently
a stranger. Do not you know that is the chief of the town ? '
But the hyena said, ' Let him come down ; I would (wrestle)
with him.' They said, ' You, hyena, do not deceive yourself.'
He said, ' As for him, let him come down, I intend to wrestle
with him.' So the lizard descended. They wrestled. But
the lizard lifted his tail, and twined (it) round the hyena's legs,
and threw him. And they were preparing to tie up the
hyena, but he sprang (and) got up (and) ran off. They
followed him to catch him. He escaped, and went and came
across his wife, she has kindled a fire ; she was waiting for
meat. And he sat down. He was panting; his body was
quivering. And she (his wife) said, ' What is the matter ? '
And he said, 1 1 have gone (and) closed
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32 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 24
da wani kato. Ya kashe ni. Zaa su yanka ni, na 10 gudano.'
Sai maata ta bar fura wuta kuma, su-na-zamne. Aka-jima
sai gwamki ya zo. n Maatar ta che, ' Wanan ya kashe ka ? '
Ya che, ' Aa wanan ba shi iya kashe ni.' Aka-jima sai
bauna ta zo, sai ta che, ' Wanan ya kashe ka ? ' Sai ya che,
' Kai, wanan ba shi iya kashe ni.' Sai zaki ya zo, shi-na-
-wuchewa. Ta che, ' Wanan ya kashe ka ? ' Sai ya che, ' Kai, ba shi ba ne.'
Aka-jima sai kadangare ya zo, shi na bin jikin daki
kar ! kar ! Sai ya che, ' To ga shi nan.' Sai ya tashi, ya sheka,
maatarsa ta bi shi. Mafari ke nan,
da wuri kura gida shi ke.
Kadangare ya kore shi.
Ya shiga daji. Shi ke nan.
12 Kungurus kan
kusu.
with a certain huge creature. He threw me down. When they were
about to cut (my throat), I ran here.' Thereupon the wife left off blowing
the fire again. They are sitting there. So after a short time a hartebeest
came along. The wife said, 'Was that the one who threw you?' He
said, 'No, that could not throw me.' In a little while a bush-cow came
along, and she said, * Did this one not throw you ? ' And he said, ' Tut ! that
thing could not throw me.' And a lion came along; he is passing by.
She said, 'Did this one throw you?' And he said, 'Tut! it was not
he.' A little later a lizard came along ; he was following along the wall of
the hut, scuttling. And he said, ' Yes, there he is.' And he got up (and) ran
off; his wife followed him. That was in the beginning. Long ago the
hyena was in the home, the lizard drove him out. He entered the bush.
That is it. Off with the rat's head.
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34 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 25
No. 25.
Wanan tatsumar bunsuru che.
1 Gatanan, gatanan. Bunsuru 2 ya je daji, ya nemi
sabo wuri, ya nome, zaa shi yin sabo gida.
Da ya nome, sai ya komo gida. Gari ya waye,
ya je shi sa gutsun daki. Sai ya taras wani
ya yi noma kusa da shi, bai san kowanene ba,
sai ya 3 kyale. Ya aza gutsun daki, ya tafo gida.
Da gari ya waye, ya koma, ya taras noman nan
na kusa da shi, anyi gini, wani kuma ya yi noma
kusa da wanchan. Ashe nafarin 4 kura ne,
na bayan kua damisa ne. Yau, ya yi gini, ya koma
gida. Gari ya waye, sai ya koma wurin gini.
Ya taras wani ya yi noma, ya kara kusa da wadanchan.
This is a story about the he-goat. A story, a story. The
he-goat went to the bush ; he sought a new place to clear (as)
he was about to make a new home. When he had cleared
(a place) then he returned home. At dawn he went to put
in the posts for his house. Then he found that some one had
cleared the ground near him ; he did not know whom, but he
paid no attention. He set up the foundations of the house
and went home. At dawn he returned, and found that a
clearing was (now) near his, and (foundations) had been dug
(in readiness to put in sticks for a house); and moreover
some one else had cleared close to that again. Of a truth,
the first (clearing) was the hyena's ; the next again was the
leopard's. And he dug and returned home. At dawn then
he returned to the place where he was digging. He found
some one else had cleared still nearer the other (clearings).
36 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 25
Sai ya kyale, ya yi gininsa ya tafi gida. Da gari ya wa-
-ye, sai ya koma, ya taras su duka sun yi gini, sai
shi kuma ya karkare gini, ya koma gida, ya nemo
chiawa, zaa shi baibaya. Sai ya taras, su ma sun ka-
-re nasu gini. Sai ya baibaiye, ya koma gida. Ranan
ya yi shiri, zaa shi komo sabo gidansa, ashe su ma,
sun gama nasu aiki, ranan zaa su komawa. Shi kua,
bai san ko suwanene ba. Bunsuru ya kwache
dlansa, da 5 maatarsa, da tarkachensa, ya kai 6 gidan.
Shi-na-zamne. Sai kura ta zo, da kayanta, da tar-
-kachenta, ta shiga dakinta. Aka-jima, sai damisa
ya zo, shi kuma da dlansa, da maatarsa, da tarkachensa.
But he said nothing, did his building (and) went home. At
dawn then he returned and found that all have built (houses) ;
and he too finished building, (and) returned home, and looked
for grass to thatch. And he found that they too have com-
pleted their building. So he thatched (his roof) and went
home. On the day he made ready to go to his new home,
truly they too have completed their work, and on that day
were about to come. As for him, he had not the least idea
who they were. The he-goat carried off his children and
wives and furniture, and brought them to the home. He was
living (there). And the hyena came with his belongings,
and household goods, (and) entered the house. Soon after
the leopard came, he too had his children, and wife, and
household goods.
38 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 25
Sai aka-jima zaki ya zo. Sai kura ya che, ' Ina lala-
-tachen nan ya fito ? ' Sai zaki bai tanka ba. Da gari
ya waye, sai kura ya che, ' Mu chainye lalatache nan.'
Sai zaki ya che, ' Kai ka na gani mutun, ba ka san
wurinda ya fito ba, ka che, mu chainye shi, 7 ka sani,
ko idan ka je garin kamunsa, shi rinja-
-ye ka ? ' Sai kura ya che, 4 Na san wada zaa mu yi
mu chi shi.' Sai zaki ya che. ' Kaka zaa mu yi mu chi shi ? '
Kura ya che, 4 Zaki kirawo shi, ka che masa
wurin nan, da mu-ka-zamna, sabo wuri ne,
ba azama banza. Kowa shi tafi daji,
shi samu naman daji, 8 mu giyara wuri,
domin mu zamna lafia. Idan ya che, To,
And soon after the lion came. And the hyena said, ' where
did that worthless fellow come from (meaning the he-goat) ? '
But the lion did not answer him. Next morning the hyena
said, 'Let us eat this worthless person.' But the lion said,
4 You, you are seeing a man (for the first time), you do not
know whence he came, and you say, Let us eat him up.
Have you known if you have come to catch him he might get
the better of you ? ' But the hyena said, 4 I have known what
I am going to do that we may eat him.' And the lion said,
4 What are we going to do that we may eat him ? ' The
hyena said, 4Lion, call him here. Say to him, The place
where we live is a new place, people do not stay here without
doing something. Let each go to the bush and find a wild
animal, that we may propitiate the spot, (and) live in health.
If he says, It is well,
40 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 25
saanan kai zaki ka tafi, ka samu, saanan
damissa shi tafi, shi samu, saanan ni kuma
in tafi, in samu. Saanan mu che, shi kuma
shi tafi daji, shi samu. Idan bai samu ba,
mu kama shi, mu chainye.' Sai zaki ya che, 4 To.
Ku kirawo shi.' Aka-kirawo bunsuru. Zaki
ya che, ' Dan uwa lafia, mu-ka-kirawo ka, mu-na-
-so mu giyara wurin zama nan namu, ka san
sabo wuri, idan babu giyara, ba ajin dadin zama.'
Bunsuru ya che, ' Gaskla ne.' Sai zaki ya che,
4 Gobe ni ke fara zua, idan na komo
drimisa shi tafi, idan ya komo kura
then do you, lion, go and find (some game) ; then the leopard
goes and gets some ; then I too go and get some. Then we
say, he too must go to the bush and get. If he does not get
any, we seize him, (and) devour him.' And the lion said,
* It is well. Call him to us.' The he-goat was called. The
lion said, ' Brother, greetings ; we called you. We are wishing
to propitiate this place. We have come to settle. You have
known it is a new place ; if we do not propitiate it, it will not
be a good place to reside.' And the he-goat said, ' That is
true.' (And) the lion said, ' To-morrow I am the first to go ;
when I have returned the leopard goes ; when he has come
back the hyena
)a li
42 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 25
ta tafi ; idan ta komo, kai kuma ka tafi.'
Bunsuru ya che, ' Na ji.' Da gari ya waye zaki
ya je, ya kaso gumki. Ya kira su. Su-ka-je,
su-ka-kwaso nama, su-ka-kawo. Gari ya waye
damisa ya je daji, ya kaso maraya. Da gari
ya waye, sai kura ta tafi, ta kaso gada.
Dada sauran bunsuru. Gari ya waye su-ka-che,
4 Bunsuru sauran kai.' Ya che, ' To.' Sai bunsuru
ya tafi daji. Tun da safe shi na yawo, har
mareche, bai samu komi ba. Yunwa ta ka-
ma shi, ya kwanta gutsun kuka, kamar
ya rautu. Sai maiki ya gane shi. Shi na zato
will go ; when she has come back you also will go.' The
he-goat said, 'I have heard.' When it was dawn the lion
went (and) killed a hartebeest. He called them. They came
(and) gathered up the meat (and) brought (it) back. Next
morning the leopard went to the bush. He killed a bush-
buck. Next morning then the hyena went and killed an
antelope. Then there remained the he-goat. At dawn they
said, ' He-goat, there remains you.' He said, * All right.' So
the he-goat went to the bush. From early morning he was
roaming till evening; he did not find anything. Hunger
seized him (and) he lay down at the foot of a baobab-tree as
if dead. And an eagle saw him. He thought
u£*
44 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 25
matache ne. Sai maiki ya sabka bisansa,
domin shi chi. Sai bunsuru ya kama shi,
ya rike, zaa shi kashewa, sai maiki ya che,
' Bar ni domin Ala, bunsuru.' Ya che, ' Ba ni bari-
-nka. Idan na bar ka, ni, ba abari na.' Sai
maiki ya che, ' Wanene ba shi barinka ? ' Ya che,
' Ka ji ka ji wada mu ka yi da makwabta na,
ni kua, idan ban kai komi gida ba,
da ni, da yayana da maatata, baa su barin mu.'
Sai maiki ya che, c Sake ni, 9 naa ba ka magani,
kulum kaa kashe nama da shi.' Bunsuru
ya che, ' Rudi na ka ke yi.' Maiki ya che, ' Aa,
he was dead. Then the eagle alighted on him in order to
eat (him). But the he-goat seized him (and) held (him), (and)
was about to kill him, when the eagle said, ' Release me, for
the sake of Allah, O he-goat.' He said, ' I shall not release
you. If I let you go, as for me, they will not let me go.'
And the eagle said, ' Who will not let you go ? ' He said,
' Such and such is the state of affairs between me and my
neighbours, and as for me, if I do not bring something home,
myself, and children, and wife, they will not allow us (to live).'
Then the eagle said, ' Let me go. I shall give you a charm,
always you will kill game by means of it.' The he-goat said,
1 You are deceiving me.' The eagle said, ' No,
46 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 25
ba rudin ka ni ke yi ba, daidai sake ni.' Bunsuru
ya sake maiki. Sai maiki ya yi amai kara
guntaye farfaru guda uku, ya che, ' Ga su,
amshi, idan ka tafi, ka gani kowane iri
nama, komi girmansa, ka dauki
karanga, ka sainya, tsakanin kafa baban
yan yasanka, kai yi lakato, sai ka
bari, ya wuche tukuna, saanan ka yi lakato.'
Bunsuru ya che, ' Na ji.' Maiki ya tuma, ya yi bisa,
ya bar bunsuru, shi-na-zamne. Sai ya gani
gumake sun tafo, sai ya bari sai da
su-ka- wuche. Saanan ya yi magani, ya yi lakato,
sai gumki ya fadi, ya bushe. Bunsuru
it is not to deceive you I say so, but do you let me go.' The
he-goat let the eagle off. Then the eagle vomited up small
white straws, three in number, (and) said, ' Behold them. Take
them, if you are going along and see any species of game
whatever, whatever its size, take these straws and place them
between your big toes, turn head over heels, then let (the
animal) go on a little way, then turn head over heels.' The
he-goat said, ' I have heard.' The eagle jumped and went
aloft, and left the he-goat sitting. Then he saw (some) harte-
beest have come and he let them pass. Then he brought the
charm into use, turned head over heels, and a hartebeest fell,
(and) stiffened. The he-goat
y.-lZ« «^Z C».i-.t.iT<«.gJr^r
I •/
48 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 25
ya zo gida, ya che, ' Na kashe nama, ku tafi
ku dauko.' Su ka che, ' Mu je ka goda muna.' Sai
ya wuche gaba. Su-ka-tafi, ya nuna masu.
Su-ka-dauke nama, su-ka-kawo gida, su-na-
kakabi. Sai zaki ya che, ' Kura kin gani,
ai da wuri kin che ba shi iyawa.' Kura ta che,
* Gaskia ne ba shi iyawa, ko yanzu
ba shi ya kashe wanan ba.1 Sai zaki ya che, ' Ku bari
mu gani.' Da su-ka-gama wanan kilinbibi, sai
su-ka-kirawo shi, su-ka-che, ' Yanzu mun giyara
gida mun kare, mu-na-so abinchinmu
shi zama guda daia. Idan wanan ya je daji
came home (and) said, ' I have killed some game, do you go
and bring it in.' They said, ' Let us go ; you show us (where
it is).' So he passed on in front. They went on. He showed
them (the place), they lifted up the meat, they brought it home.
They were astonished. And the lion said, 4 You have seen,
hyena; formerly you said he was not capable (of killing
game).' The hyena said, ' It is true, he is not able. Even in
this case, it is not he who has killed it.' And the lion said,
'You wait and we shall see.' When they had finished this
plotting, then they called him to them and said, ' Now we have
finished making the home proper for living in (by killing the
game) we are desirous that our food should be the same for
all. If this one has gone to the bush
Jt?iT ^ >
^tf&2jjL^ikfUw&*
4l£^>^.-*l*p'<{Wtf
50 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 25
ya kaso nama mu taru mu chi. Idan gari ya waye
wanan shi tafi, shi kaso, mu taru, mu chi ; mu dinga yin hakanan.'
Bunsuru ya che, ' Ya yi mani dadi.' Yau gari ya waye,
zaki shi ya fara zua, ya kaso bauna. Su-ka-taru
su-ka-chi. Gari ya waye, damisa ya tafi ya kaso,
su-ka-taru su-ka-chi. Da gari ya waye, kura ya tafi
daji, ya kaso nama, ya kawo, su duka su-ka-taru,
su-ka-chi. Da gari ya waye, su-ka-che, ' Bunsuru sau-
-ran kai.' Ya che, ' To.' Bunsuru ya tafi daji, zaki
ya bi sau sa. Ya boye, ya gani wada shi ke yi, shi kashe
nama, sai ya gudano maza shi-na-ba su labari,
sai kura ya che, bai yarda ba, sai ya gani. Aka-jima
and has killed game we shall meet together (and) eat. When
it was dawn, this one goes (and) kills, we meet, (and) eat;
(and) we continue to do so.' The he-goat said, * That is just
what I want.' So when dawn came, the lion first went. He
killed a bush cow. They met (and) ate. Next dawn the
leopard went (and) killed; they met together (and) ate.
When it was dawn the hyena went to the bush; he killed
meat (and) brought it back, (and) they all met (and) ate.
When dawn came they said, ' He-goat, it is your turn.' He
said, 'All right.' The he-goat went to the bush, (and) the lion
followed his spoor. He hid, and saw what he did to kill
game. Then he ran back quickly (and) was giving them the
news, but the hyena said he would not believe (consent) unless
he has seen. In a little while
52 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 25
sai bunsuru ya zo. Ya che, ' Na kashe nama, ama ba ni iya
dauka.' Su-ka-che, ' Mu je, mu dauko.' Su-ka-tashi. Ya wu-
-che gaba. Su-ka-tafi, ya nuna masu bauna, ta-na kwa-
-nche, sai shi ya komo gida. Su kua su-ka-ya-
-yage nama, su-ka-kawo gida. Wata rana kuma, da zaa shi,
sai damisa ya bi shi, ya gani, ya komo, shi-na-
-gaia masu. Kura ya che, shi dai sai ya gani.
Tukuna bunsuru ya zo ya che, ' Na kashe nama,
ku je ku dauko.' Dada sun shiga tsoro(n)sa.
Sai su-ka tashi, maza maza ya kwatamta masu wurin da
nama shi ke. Sai su-ka-je, su-ka-dauko,
su-ka-kawo. Wata rana kuma, da zaa shi, kura ta bi shi ;
then the he-goat came. He said, ' I have killed game, but
I cannot carry it.' They replied, ' We will come to lift (it).'
They rose up. He (the he-goat) passed on in front. They
went (and) he pointed out to them a bush-cow, lying ; then
he went back home. And they tore apart the meat (and)
brought it home. Another day also when he (the he-goat)
was about to go (to hunt) the leopard followed him. He saw.
(he returned (and) told them. The hyena said, as for him
He would not credit it) till he has seen. Soon after the he-
goat came, (and) said, ' I have killed game, you come and lift
it.' By this time they have entered into fear of him, so they
rose up very quickly, (and) he directed them to where the
game was. Then they went (and) lifted (and) brought (it).
Another day also, when he was going off (to hunt), the hyena
followed him ;
54 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 25
ta-na sanda, bar ya je ya gani gumake. Sai
ya kyale, su-ka-shude, saanan ya bi sau(n)su. Da
ya kusa da su, sai ya dauki kara nan guda uku,
ya sainya tsakanin baban dan yatsansa, sai
ya tuma, ya yi lakato, sai wani baban gumki
da shi ke baya, shi kuma ya tuma, ya fadi. Kura kua
shi-na-gani, sai ya gudano, partab ! partab !
ya zo gida, shi-na-fadi. Sai bunsuru ya zo,
ya che, * Ku tashi, ku je, ku dauko nama.' Sai su-ka-ta-
-shi, ya wuche gaba, ya kai su, su-na-fida nama.
Kura kua, tsoro ya kama shi, idan ya gani
bunsuru, zaa shi wuchewa bayansa, sai
she was following him stealthily till he (the he-goat) went and
saw (some) hartebeest. Then he did nothing till they passed,
then he followed their tracks. When he was near them, then
he took his straws, three in number. He set them between
his big toes, then he leaped up, turned head over heels, and
one big hartebeest which was behind, he too leaped up and
fell. The hyena too was looking on. Then he ran off in
great haste. He came home and told (what he had seen).
Then the he-goat arrived and said, ' You, get up, go (and)
bring in the meat.' So they rose up, he went in front (and)
took them to the place (and) they took off the meat. As for
the hyena, fear seized on him ; if he saw the he-goat was going
to pass behind him, then
•^ 77" 2
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56 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 25
kura shi tashi, shi koma wani wuri. Idan bunsuru
ya bi nan, sai kura shi bi wani wuri, har kura
ya gaji, ya che, * Haba aboklna me na yi maka, ko-
-ina na bi, ka-na-bi na ?' Bunsuru ka kyale, har
su-ka-zo gida. Su-ka-chi abinchi, su-ka-kare.
Kowa ya shiga daki. Sai kura ya je wurin za-
-ki, su-ka-tada damisa, su-ka-yi shawara, su-ka-che,
4 Wanan ya fi karfinmu, idan ba mu gudu ba, wata rana
mu ma shi kashe mu.J Sai su-ka-fita, su-ka-gudu,
bunsuru na kwana. Mafari ke nan, zaki, da kura,
da damisa, su-ka-shiga daji, da wuri makwobtan
bunsuru ne. Shi ke nan.
10Kungurus kan
kusu.
the hyena rose up and moved to another place. If the he-
goat followed there, then the hyena went to some other place,
till the hyena got tired (and) said, ' Haba ! my friend, what am
I doing to you, that wherever I go you keep following me ? '
The he-goat did not reply, till they came to the house. They
finished eating the food. Every one entered the house. But
the hyena went to the lion, (there) they woke the leopard,
(and) they held a council, (and) said, ' This thing is too much
for us. If we do not flee some day, as for us, he will kill us.'
So they came out and ran away. The he-goat was asleep.
That was the first time the lion and the hyena and the leopard
went to live in the bush. Formerly they were neighbours of
the he-goat. That is it. Off with the rat's head.
. . .
58 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 26
No. 26.
Wanan tatsuniar l alkume che.
2Gatanan, gatanan. Ta je, ta komo. Buzuzu shi ne
3ya yi 4gaya, ayi masa shibchi. Ya je, ya gaya ma za-
-kara. Zakara ya che, ' Yaushe ?' Ya che, 4 Jibi.' Ya che, ' In ji ba ka gaya
ma 5muzuru ba ? ' Ya che, ' Aa.' Ya che, ' Kar ka gaya masa.' Buzuzu
ya che, ' To.' Da fitansa, sai ya je gidan muzuru, ya fada masa.
Muzuru ya che, * In ji ba ka gaya ma kare ba ? ' Ya che, 4 Aa.' Ya che,
4 Kar ka gaya masa.' Da fitansa, sai ya je gidan kare, ya gaya
masa. Kare ya che, ' In ji, ba ka gaya ma 6kura ba ? ' Ya che,
1 Aa.' Kare ya che, ' Kar ka gaya mata.' Ya che, ' To.' (df)
Da fitansa, sai ya je gidan kura, ya gaya mata. Ta che,
4 In ji ba ka gaia ma damisa ba ? ' Ya che, * Aa.' Ta che, ' kar ka gaya
masa.' Sai ta che, ' Tafi gida.' Da fitansa, sai ya je
This is a story about a beetle. A story, a story. Let it go. Let it
come. The beetle made an arrangement for people to come and assist
him with his thatching. He went and told the cock. The cock said,
4 When (is it) ?' He said, ' The day after to-morrow.' He (the cock) said,
4 You did not tell the cat, did you ? ' He said, ' Oh no.' He said, * Do not
tell him.' The beetle said, 'All right.' On his coming away then he went
to the house of the cat (and) told him. The cat said, * I suppose you did
not tell the dog ? ' He said, ' Oh no.' He said, ' Do not tell him.' When
he left (there) he next went to the dog's home (and) told him. The dog
said, 4 You did not tell the hyena, did you?' He said, 4 Oh no.' The dog
said, 4 Do not tell her.' He said, 4 All right.' On coming away from there
then he went to the house of the hyena, and told her. She said, ' Let me
hear, you did not tell the leopard ?' He said, 4 Oh no.' She said, 4 Do not
tell him.' Then she said, * Go off home.' On leaving her, next he went
60 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 26
gidan damisa ya gaya masa. Damisa ya che, ' In ji
ba ka gaya ma mainya dawa ba ? ' Buzuzu ya che, ' Aa.' Damisa
ya che, ' Kar ka gaya masa.' Ya che, ' To.' Da fitansa, sai ya je
gidan zaki, ya gaya masa. Mainyan dawa ya che, ' To.' Ranan
gaya ta zo. Zakara ya fara zua, ya ishe buzuzu,
su-ka-tashi, su-ka-gewaya bayan gida, su-na-yankan
yanta. Aka-jima, sai muzuru ya zo, ya yi salama. Sai
zakara ya che. ' Wa ke salama ? ' Buzuzu ya che, ' Muzuru ne.' Sai
zakara ya che, ' Ai na che kar ka gaya masa ? ' Ya che, ' Ai, ban gaya mass
shi dai 7ya ji labari ne ya zo.' Zakara kua ya zo
da masu(n)sa, guda blu, ya kafa, ya gudu, ya shiga daki,
ya bar su, ya boye. Muzuru ya zo, ya che, ' Wa ke da masu ? '
to the house of the leopard and told him. The leopard said, ' You did no
tell the great one of the forest, did you ?' The beetle said, 4 Oh no.' Th<
leopard said, ' You must not tell him.' He said, ' All right.' On leaving
him he next went to the home of the lion, he told him. The grea
one of the bush said, ' All right.' The day when all the people were t(
assemble came. The cock was the first to come. He met the beetle, (and
they rose up (and) went behind the house (and) were cutting grass. Shortlj
after the cat came (and) hailed, and the cock said, ' Who is hailing ? ' Th<
beetle said, * It is the cat.' Then the cock said, ' What ! Did not I say yoi
were not to tell him ?' He replied, * No, I did not tell him ; it is he himsel;
has heard the news (and) come.' Now the cock has brought his spears, twc
in number. He stuck them in the ground, he fled, he entered the house
(and) left them. He hid (himself). The cat came (and) and said, ' Whom
do the spears belong to ? '
• -
6a ANIMAL STORIES. No. 26
Aka-che na zakara na. ' Ina zakara ?' ' Shi-na daki.' Sai
muzuru ya je, ya bude kofa, ya kama shi,
ya kashe. Sai buzuzu ya zo, ya che, ' Kawo in bo-
-ye maka har mu gama.' Ya ba shi, ya kai wani daki, ya rufe.
Su-ka-je, su-na-aiki. Aka-jima, sai kare ya yi salama.
Muzuru ya che, ' Wa ke salama ?' Buzuzu ya che, ' Kare ne.'
Sai muzuru ya shiga daki, ya boye. Kare ya zo, su-ka-yi
gaisua da buzuzu, sai ya gani masu, ya che, ' Wa ke da ma-
-su ?' Aka-che, na zakara ne. ' Ina zakara ?' Muzuru ya kashe.
' Ina muzuru ?' ' Shi-na daki.' Sai kare ya shiga daki, ya kama
muzuru, ya kashe. Buzuzu ya che, ' Kawo in boye maka,
har mu gama aiki.3 Ya ba shi, ya kai daki, ya rufe. Su-ka-je.
He was told they belonged to the cock. (He said), 4 Where is the
cock?' 'He is in the house.' Then the cat came (and) opened
the door, (and) caught him (and) killed him. And the beetle came
(and) said, ' Bring (him) (and) I will hide him for you till we have
finished.' He gave the cock to him. He took it to another room
(and) covered (it up). They went back (and) were at work. Soon
after the dog hailed. The cat said, ' Who is that calling out his
arrival?' The beetle said, ' It is the dog.' And the cat went into
the house (and) hid. The dog came. He greeted the beetle ; then
he saw the spears (and) said, ' Whose are the spears ? ' He was
told they were the cock's. ' Where is the cock ? ' ' The cat has
killed (it).' ' Where is the cat ? ' * He is in the house.' Then the
dog entered the house. He seized the cat (and) killed it. The
beetle said, ' Bring (it) here that I may hide it away for you till we
have finished the work.' He gave him (and) he took it to a room,
(and) covered (it up). They went off.
64 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 26
Su-na aiki. Aka-jima, sai kura ta zo, ya yi salama.
Kare ya che, ' Wa ke salama ?' Buzuzu ya che, ' Ban sani ba,
kamar kura che.' Ya che, ' Bari in je, in gani.' Sai ya che,
4 Shiga nan.' Kare ya shiga daki. Kura ta zo.
Su-ka-yi gaisua. To gani masu, ta che. * Wa ke da ma-
-su ?' Ya che na zakara ne. 4 Ina zakara ?' ' Muzuru
ya chainye.' ' Ina muzuru ?' ' Kare ya chainye.' ' Ina
kare?' ' Shi-na daki.' Sai kura ta shiga daki,
ta kama kare, ta kashe. Buzuzu ya zo, ya che,
' Kawo in boye maka har mu gama aiki.' Kura
ta ba shi, ya ja, ya kai daki, ya rufe. Su-ka-je
su-na aiki. Aka-jima, sai damisa ya zo, ya yi
salama. Sai kura ta che, ' Wa ke salama ? ' Buzuzu
They were working. In a little while the hyena came (and)
hailed. The dog said, ' Who is hailing ? ' The beetle said,
' I am not sure ; it appears to be the hyena.' He said, ' Wait
till I go and have a look.' And he said, ' Get in here.' The
dog got into the house. The hyena came. They exchanged
greetings. She (the hyena) saw the spears. She said, * Who
possesses the spears ? ' He (the beetle) said, ' They are the
cock's.' ' Where is the cock?' ' The cat has eaten (it) up.'
' Where is the cat ? ' ' The dog has eaten it up.' ' Where is
the dog ?' ' He is in the house.' Then the hyena entered the
house, caught the dog (and) killed it. The beetle came (and)
said, ' Bring (it) here, that I may hide it for you till we have
finished the work.' The hyena gave it to him ; he drew (it)
along, put it in the room, (and) covered it up. They went
back. They were working. A short time passed, and the
leopard came. He hailed them. And the hyena said, c Who
is that wanting admittance ? ' The beetle
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66 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 26
ya che, ' Damisa ne.' Kura ta che, ' Ai na che kar ka gaya
masa ? ' Ya che, ' Ban gaya masa ba, ko ya ji labari ne.' Sai
kura ta yi zai zai, zaa ta gudu. Sai buzuzu ya che,
' Kar ki gudu, tafo ki boye nan, ko ya zo gaishe ni ne.'
Sai kura ta shiga daki, ta boye, damisa ya shigo.
Su-ka-yi gaisua da buzuzu, su-ka-dinga yankan
yanta, sai ya tada kai, ya gani masu, kafe. Ya che,
' Buzuzu wa ke da masu ? ' Ya che, ' Na zakara ne.' ' Ina
zakara ? ' ' Muzuru ya kashe.' ' Ina muzuru ? ' ' 8 Kare ya kashe.'
' Ina kare ? ' ' Kura ta kashe.' ' Ina kura ? ' l Ta na daki.'
Damisa ya tashi, 9 sannu, ya shiga daki. Kura
ta zaabura, zaa ta gudu, sai ya sainya mata akaifa
said, 'It is the leopard.' The hyena said, 'Oh! Did not I say
you must not tell him ? ' He replied, ' I did not tell him, perhaps
he has heard about it.' And the hyena ran here and there (looking)
for a way to escape. And the beetle said, ' Do not run away,
come here, hide in this place, perhaps he has only come to greet
me.' The hyena got inside. Then (the leopard) exchanged
greetings with the beetle. They were working away at cutting
the grass, when he (the leopard) raised his head (and) saw the
spears stuck (in the ground). He said, 'Beetle, who possesses
the spears?' He replied, 'They are the cock's.' 'Where is the
cock ? ' ' The cat has killed (it).' ' Where is the cat ? ' ' The dog
has killed it.' ' Where is the dog ? ' ' The hyena has killed it.1
' Where is the hyena ? ' ' She is in the house.' The leopard rose
up softly and entered the house. The hyena leaped up, to run
away, but he stuck his claws in her
68 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 26
ga chiki. Ya falke, sai hanji ya fito, sai
kura ta fadi ; ta mutu. Sai alkume ya zo,
ya che, ' Bari mu boye ta, har mu gama aiki.' Su-ka-ja
su-ka-kai claki, su-ka-aje, su-ka-ja askunia,
su-ka-rufe kofa daki. Su-ka-koma bayan gida,
su-na-yankan shibchi. Gaya na-tarua, masu-aiki
su-ka-taru dayawa, su-na-yankan yanta. Aka-dade,
su gada, su barewa duka, su zomo, su bachla,
su maje, su hargini, su gumki, su bauna,
su giwa, duka su-ka-taru, da kurege, da ku-
-sa, da namun daji mainya mainya, da kankanana.
10 Hata tsuntsaye duka sun taru wurin gayan buzuzu.
body. (She) fainted, and the intestines came out, and the
hyena fell, (and) died. Then the beetle came (and) said,
4 Let us hide her away till we finish the work.' They dragged
(and) brought (it) into the room, (and) set it down. They
drew the mat for covering the doorway (and) shut the door
of the house. They went to the back of the house. They
were cutting grass. The helpers were (by this time) assembling,
and many workers had assembled (and) were cutting thatching
grass. They went on increasing in numbers, duyker, all the
bush -buck, hares, bush-goats, * maje ' (?) hargini (?) hartebeest,
bush-cow, elephants, all assembled, and jerboas, and rats,
and the great beasts of the forest and the small. Even all
the birds have assembled to assist the beetle (in his getting
grass).
"l^iAi
70 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 26
Sai zaki kadai ne bai zo ba. Ana-nan ana-
-aiki ankusa gajia, sai zaki ya zo.
Ya kwanta kusa da su. Ya yi nishi. Sai gaya
ta watse. Mainya mainya su-ka-dinga take
kankana. A-take kankana dayawa. Sai zaki
ya taso, ya zo, ya gani, ya che, ' Ina alkume ? '
Ya che, ' Ga ni.' Sai zaki ya che, ' Ga tawa
gaya nan, fito ka kwache, ko bai yi maka
dadi ba ?' Ya che, ' Ya yi mani dadi.' Sai zaki ya juya,
ya yi tafia tasa. Buzuzu ya yi ta kwasa nama,
ya kwashe, ya tara. Shi-na-chin abinsa da maatarsa. Ashe
sun gama baki ne, da zaki ya yi hakanan. Mafari
ke nan, idan ka-na-so ka samu abinchi
11 alhali ka-na-jin yunwa, sai ka gama
And it was only the lion that had not come. And they were
all working and getting weary when the lion came. He laid
down near to them (and) roared. Then the assembled helpers
scattered. The great ones kept trampling on the small ones.
Many of the small ones were trampled. Then the lion rose
up (and) came forward. He looked (and) said, ' Where is the
beetle ? ' He said, ' Behold me.' And the lion said, ' Look
at (what) my alliance (with you has done). Come out and
collect them. Or is it not pleasing to you?' He said, 'It
has pleased me.' Then the lion turned round (and) went his
own way. The beetle collected the meat, and pulled it off,
(and) heaped it together. He was eating his spoils with
his wife. Of a truth they had arranged it all with the lion
to do all this. That was the origin (of what you do now) if
you want to get food when you feel hungry ; for you join
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72 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 26
da mai-12karfl tukuna, saanan ka samu.
Shi ke nan. 13 Kungurus kan kusu. Kusu ba ya chi
kai na ba, sai in chi kai, dan banza.
with some powerful person first, then you get (it). That is it.
Off with the rat's head. The rat has not eaten my head,
rather will I eat its head, son of a worthless fellow.
•*. it.. • -» ^l«.
^
74 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 27
No. 27.
Wanan tatsuniar xgizo che de zaki.
Gizogizo ya tafi 2sun kifi. 3Ya kama klfi dayawa.
Shi-na-4banda, sai zaki ya zo, ya che, ' Gizo me ka ke yi nan ?'
Gizo ya che, ' Ina-banda klfi ne.' Zaki ya che, ' Ba ni guda
in chi.' Ya ba shi, ya chi. Ya ji dadi, ya che, ' Kara mani.' Sai
ya kara masa, ya chi. Sai ya che, ' Kara mani kuma.' Sai
gizo shi-na-kuka. Sai zaki ya che, ' Gizo ku-
-ka ka ke yi ?' Gizo ya che, ' Aa, ba kuka na ke yi ba,
hayaki ke shiga mani idanu.' Sai zaki ya che, ' Dauki
duka, ka ba ni, in chainye.' Sai ya dauki duka, ya ba shi,
ya chainye. Shi-na-kuka. Aka-jima, sai 5makwarwa ta zo
ta-na-kuka, kuker ! kuker ! Sai gizo ya che,
This is a story about the spider and the lion. The spider
went to fish. He caught many fish. He was frying them
when the lion came (and) said, ' Spider, what are you doing
there?' The spider replied, 4I am frying fish.' The lion
said, ' Give me one to eat.' He gave him (and) he ate. He
found it was sweet (and) he said, ' Add some more.' He added
some more (and) he ate. Then he said, 'Add some more
again.' But the spider was crying, and the lion said, ' Spider,
you are crying.' And the spider said, ' Oh no, I am not
crying ; the smoke is getting in my eyes.' And the lion said,
' Lift them all (and) give me to devour.' And he lifted them
all (and) gave him, (and) he ate them up. He (the spider)
was weeping. Soon after the bush-fowl came along crying
kuker ! kuker ! And the spider said,
M*MH*44i*Jta&*^iis
76 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 27
' Yar nema, dube ta, ta-na-yi mani takama, ko gaishe ni
ba ta yi ba, sai ka che ba ni ya yi mata zane nan ba.' Sai
zaki ya che, ' Gizo kai ka yi mata ?' Gizo ya che, ' Ni na yi mata.'
Sai zaki ya che, ' Gizo ba ka yi mani ? ' Domin wauta. Sai gizo
ya che, ' 6Naa yi maka.' Da wuri kua ya 7 kyale. Sai zaki ya dinga
lalashinsa, saanan ya yarda, Gizo ya che, ' Ama da wia.'
Zaki ya che, ' Da wane abu ake yi ?' Gizo ya che, ' Da gawurtache
bauna, saanan a-bidi baba kazaura.' Sai zaki ya che,
4 Ab ! wanan babu wia.' Sai zaki ya shiga daji maza maza,
ya samu bauna gawurtache, ya kashe, ya jawo, ya kawo.
Su-ka-fede. Gizo ya rede fata, ya che, ' Sauran kazaura.'
4 Daughter of a profligate ! Look at her, she is showing off her
airs before me. Even a greeting she does not give me, even you
might suppose (say) it was not I who gave her (her) spotted
plumage.' And the lion said, ' Spider, was it you who made them
for her?' The spider said, ' I made them for her.' And the lion
said, c Spider, will not you make them for me ? ' For he was a fool.
And the spider said, ' I will make them for you.' (Now) at first he
was going to refuse, but the lion implored him, and at last he con-
sented. And the spider said, ' But it is difficult.' The lion said,
4 What is it done with?' The spider said, 'By means of a huge
bush-cow, next a big kazaura-tree.' And the lion said, * Tut, that
is not hard.' Then the lion went quickly off to the bush. He
found a big bush-cow (and) killed it. He dragged it (and) brought
it. They skinned it. The spider cut the skin in strips, (and) said,
4 There remains the kazaura-tree.1
78 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 27
Ya che, ' Sai ka je ka gani kazaura, ka 8banke ta
da kirjinka, da 9 karfl, idan ta motsa, ka sakewa ta,
wanan ba ta yi, sai wada ka banka, ba ta motsa ba, ita ke yi.'
Yau, zaki ya shiga daji, shi-na-neman kazaura. Idan ya ga
wanan, sai shi zabura, shi banke ta, ta yi motsi. Hakanan
bar ya samu wata kazaura mai-girma, ya banke ta,
ba ta motsa ba bar sau uku. Saanan ya zo, ye kirawo
gizo. Gizo ya che, ' Sauran, runfa, a-dora nama.' Akai,
zaki ya kario itache, su-ka-yi runfa, su-ka-dora nama.
Su-ka-fura wuta. Saanan gizo ya che zaki shi zo shi kwa-
-nta. Zaki ya zo, ya kwanta gutsun kazaura. Gizo
ya dinga daurinsa da klri, ya tanke shi duka, ya rika
He said, ' Still you have to go (and) look for a kazaura-tree.
Hit it hard with your chest (and) if it moves, leave it ; such an
one will not do. Only one that when you beat against it does
not move, it will suffice.' So the lion entered the bush in
search of a kazaura-tree. If he saw one, then he sprang at it,
(and) beat against it. It moved. And so on, till he found a
huge kazaura-tree (which) when he shook it, did not stir after
(testing it) three times. Then he came and called the spider.
He said, ' There remains a rack for putting the meat on.' It
(the meat) was brought, the lion broke sticks, (and) they made
a rack, (and) put the meat on it. They kindled a fire. Then
the spider said the lion was to come and lie down. The lion
came and lay down at the foot of the kazaura-tree. The
spider began to tie him up with the (bush -cow) hide ; he
bound him up completely, (and) kept
8o ANIMAL STORIES. No. 27
tanbaya sa, ' Ina ne, bai tanko ba ?' Sai zaki shi motsa,
shi ji wurinda shi ke iya motsi, shi che, ' Nan ne bai tanko ba.'
Sai gizo shi tanke da keau, shi che, ' Motsa in gani.' Shi mo-
-tsa, idan ya gani wurinda shi ke iya motsi, sai shi tanke
da keau. Hakanan hakanan har ya tanke shi, ba shi iya motsi
kuma. Saanan ya dauko 10churakai ya sa wuta. Su-ka-yi ja zur.
Sai shi dauko guda daia, shi nana masa, shi che, n ' Chuwai !
kifina, chuwai ! gargazata, chuwai ! rajiata, chuwai !
gwandona, chuwai ! kulumeta, chuwai ! glwaruata.' Har
ya zane jikin zaki duka da churakai. Ya kwashe na-
-ma, da shi, da 12maatar tasa, da yayansa. Su-ka-kai gida,
su-ka-bar zaki kwanche gutsun kazaura, har zaki ya lalache
asking him, ' Where is it I have not bound ? ' And the lion
squirmed about, that he might perceive where he could move, (and)
said, ' Here is a place you have not bound up.1 Then the spider
trussed him beautifully and said, ' (Try) and move that I may see.'
He moved. If he saw the place he could move, then he fastened it
up well. And thus till he bound him that he could not stir again.
Then he lifted up the skewers and put them in the fire. They
became red hot. Then he lifted up one and pressed it (against the
lion) and said, * Chuwai ! that 's for my fish. Chuwai ! that 's for my
gargaza (a kind of fish). Chuwai! that's for my "kulume" fish.
Chuwai ! that 's for my " elephant of the water " (a kind of fish),'
and so on till he had spotted all the lion's skin with the skewers.
He carried off the bush-cow meat, he and his wife and children.
They reached home, and left the lion lying at the foot of the
kazaura-tree, until the lion wasted away
8a ANIMAL STORIES. No. 27
ya kusa mutua. Sai gara ta zo. Ta che, ' Mutun, mutun dan Adam,
idan ka yi masa rana, sai shi yi maka dare.' Sai zaki
ya che. 13 ' Asha haba gara, yanzu kaman da ni ke nan mutun shi yi mani
rana, in yi masa dare ? ' Sai gara ta lashe klri. Zaki
ya tashi, da tashinsa, sai ya lashe gara. Ya wuche
ya shiga daji. Shi-na-neman gizo, shi-na-yawo.
Shi-na-tafi kamar zaa shi fadua, sai ranan ya gamu
da kwarangaman barewa. Sai zaki ya che, ' Ke bare-
-wa ina zaa ki ?' Ta che, ' Ina yawo ne.' Daga nisa
bai kusa da ita ba, bale shi san kowanene. Ya che
4 Ba ki ga gizo ba ?' Ta che, ' Aa, Ala shi tsare ni da ganin gizo,
mai-mugun kai, ai wanda ke neman gizo, ai shi ma,
(and) was near to death. Then a white ant came along. She said, ' Man,
man, the son of Adam, if you have made it day for him, he makes it night
for you.' And the lion said, ' Come now, do not say so, white ant. Now
placed as I am here, if a person made it day for me, would I make it night
for him ?' Then the white ant licked the strips of hide through, (and) the
lion got up, and on getting up, licked up the white ant, and passed on (and)
entered the bush. He was searching for the spider, and walking about.
He went along as if about to fall, and one day he met a very thin bush-
buck. And the lion said, * You, bush-buck, where are you going?' She
said, ' I am walking.' From some distance off (he spoke). He (the lion)
did not go near him, much less did he know who it was. He said, ' Have
you not seen the spider ? ' He said, ' No, may Allah protect me from
seeing the spider, the evil-headed one. Now surely he who is seeking the
spider, as for him,
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84 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 27
Mya fl shi mugun kai.' Sai zaki ya che, ' Me ya faru ?' Sai
ta che, ' Ai kwananga barna shi ke yi chikin daji, ba ka gani wada
na zama ba, na lalache, mun yi fada da gizo, sai ya nuna mani
hannu, na lalache, bai buge ni ba, kowa ya yi fada da shi idan
ya nuna masa hannu, sai mai-shi shi lalache.' Sai zaki ya che,
' Domin Ala barewa idan kin gane shi, kar ki che ina bidansa.'
Sai barewa ta che, 15< Na ji.' Ashe gizo ne ke child. Zaki kua
tsoro ya kama shi. Sai gizo ya yi maza maza, ya yada fatar
barewa, ya komo, shi-na-fadi, ' Ina 16zakin shi ke ?'
Har ya chika da shi. Ya che, ' Ga ni, an-che ka-na-bida na.' Sai za-
-ki ya fadi kasa, shi-na-afi, shi-na-fadi, ' Na tuba, ba ni bidanka.'
Gizo kua, shi-na-zagi, shi-na-fadi, ' Gobe in kara ji ka-na-
-bida na, 17kaa gani, ai na che idan ba ku kiyaye ni ba, chikin dajinga
he has surpassed him in evil.' And the lion said, ' What is the matter ? '
And she said, ' Oh, in these times evil is he doing in the bush. Do not
you see what I became ? I have wasted away. We have quarrelled
with the spider, and he pointed his hand at me and I wasted away.
He did not strike me ; whoever fights with him if he points his hand at
him, then he who has this done to him wastes away.' Then the lion
said, ' For the sake of Allah, bush-buck, if you have seen him, do not
say I was looking for him.' And the bush-buck said, ' I have heard.'
Now really the spider was inside. As for the lion, fear seized hold on
him. Then the spider made haste ; he threw off the bush -buck skin
(and) carne back, (and) was saying, ' Where is that lion ? ' till he met
him. (And) he said, 'See me, I am told you are looking for me.'
But the lion fell down (and) prostrated himself and said, ' I have
repented ; I will not follow you.' And the spider, too, was swearing
and saying, ' To-morrow if I hear you are following me you will see.
Moreover, I have said if you do not obey me in this bush
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86 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 27
18kaa ga wia.' Sai ya che, * Anbar ku ne, ku ke rena mutane,
tashi munafiki.' Shi ke nan. 19 Kungurus kan kusu.
Kusu ba ya chi kaina ba, sai in chi
kai, dan banza.
you will see trouble.' And he said, ' You are pardoned, you
(who) despise people. Get up, you hypocrite.' That is it.
Off with the rat's head ! The rat has not eaten my head,
rather will I eat the head of the son of the worthless fellow.
88 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 28
No. 28.
Wanan tatsuniar l gizo da hankaka che.
Wata shekara aka-yi yunwa, bisa, kasa, babu abinchi. Hanka-
-ki su-na-zua tsakar rua, su-na-debo baure, su-na-kawo gida
su-na-chi. Wata rana gizo 2 ya ji labari, da su-ka-komo gida,
sai ya dauko katanga, wai shi 3 zaa shi dlban wuta.
Ya bidi danko, ya like duwawunsa da shi, ya tafi gidan
hankaka. Ya ishe, 4 su-na-chin baure, su-na-zuba
wani kasa. Sai ya je bisan baure, ya zamna. Ya gaishe su.
Ya tashi. Baure ya mane ga gutsunsa. Ya debe wuta, ya tafi
gida, ba su sani ba. Ya kai gida, ya aje. Ya kashe wuta ya komo
ya zamna bisa baure, ya mane masa, ga gutsu. Ya debi wuta,
ya kai gida, ya aje baure. Ya kashe wuta, ya komo kuma
This is a story about the spider and the crows. A certain year
there was a famine, above, (and) below there was no food. The
crows used to go to the middle of a river and pluck figs (from a tree
that stood in the water) and bring them home (and) eat them. One
day the spider heard about this, (and) when they (the crows) came
back home, then he took up a piece of broken pot, saying he was
going to get some fire. He (then) sought for some wax and plastered
his testicles with it (and) went off to the crows' home. He came on
them eating figs, and they were throwing some down on the ground.
Then he went on top of the figs, (and) sat down. He greeted them.
He rose up. The figs stuck to his bottom. He drew some hot ashes
from the fire (and) went home. They did not know what he had
done. He took (the figs) home (and) put them aside. He put out
the fire, (and) went back, (and) sat down on top of the figs ; (they) it
stuck to his bottom. He drew out some fire. He took (them) home
(and) put the figs aside. He put out the fire (and) returned again
y "
9o ANIMAL STORIES. No. 28
har sau uku. Hankaka ta che, ' Wani irin diba wuta ke nan,
ka-na-zua, ka-na-kashewa, ka-na-komowa ? ' Sai gizo ya che,
' Aa ba kashewa na ke yi ba, mutua ta ke yi da kai(n)ta.'
Hankaka ta che, ' Karia ne, domin baurenga
ka ke komowa.' Hankaka ta dlbi baure, ta ba
shi, ta che, l Ba domin mugun halinka ba, 5 daa sai mu di-
-nga zua tare.' Sai gizo ya fadi da kuka, ' I ! i ! i !
Domin uwayenmu sun mutu kuma ba mu rika zumunta.
I ! i ! i ! Ai da uwayenmu zaa su mutua, su-ka-che
mu rika zumunta, kowa ya 6 shamu abinchi shi bai da-
-n uwansa.' Sai hankaka ta che, ' Bari kuka,
tafi gida, idan gari ya waye, da asuban farin
ka zo, mu taiS da kai.' Gizo ya che, ' To.' Ya share
(and did so) three times. A crow said, ' What kind of way
is that to get fire ? You are going, (and) quenching it (on
purpose) (and) coming back again.' But the spider said,
' No, no, I am not quenching it, it died out itself.' The crow
said, l It is a lie ; because of these figs you keep coming back.1
The crow picked out a fig (and) gave him, (and) said, ' If it
was not for your evil nature, then we might have gone
together (to where the fig-tree is). And the spider fell down
with sobs, ' E ! e ! e ! Since my parents have died, we have
not made any friends again. E ! e ! e ! No, when my parents
were about to die, they said I must make friends (with people) ;
whoever jot (got) food was to give his fellow creature.1 And
the crow said, ' Stop crying, go home. When it is dawn at
the very first streak come, we will take you.' The spider
said, ' It is well.' He dried
92 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 28
hawaye, ya tafi gida. Da aka yi kwanan farin, sai gizo
ya tara 7 yayi, ya fura wuta wajen gabas, gabas ta yi haske.
Sai ya zo, ya tada hankaka, ta-na-kwana, sai ya che,
' Asuba 8 ta yi.' Sai hankaka ta che, ' Haba gizo, ai kai ne
ka sa wuta, tafi tukuna, sai kaji sun yi kuka,
saanan ka zo.' Da zuansa, ya kwanta kadan. Sai ya ta-
-so, ya bude akurkin kaji. Shi-na-bugunsu. Su-na-
-kuka. Sai ya zo, ya tada hankaka, ya che, ' Kun ji
kaji su-na-kuka.' Hankaka ta che, ' Haba gizo,
ai kai ne ka ke bugan kaji, tafi, sai ladan 9 ya yi kiran
sala, saanan ka zo.' Ya koma gida. Da zuansa, sai
ya dinga kiran sala, ' 10Ayahu akubai, ayahu akubai.'
his tears (and) went home. When people were having their
first sleep then the spider collected straws (and) kindled a fire
towards the east, (and) the east became bright. Then he
came and found the crow asleep, and he said, ' Early dawn
has come.' But the crow said, ' Come now, spider, it is you
(who) made a fire. Off with you, in the meantime till the
fowls have crowed, then you can come.' On his going off he
slept a little ; then he got up (and) opened the fowl-house,
(and) was beating them, (and) they were crowing. Then he
came (and) met the crow, (and) said, 'You have heard the
fowls are crowing.' The crow said, ' Come now, spider, was
not it you who were beating the fowls ? Off you go, and not
until the muezzin has called to prayer must you come.' He,
(the spider) went off home. On his coming, then he began
to call to prayer, 'Yallah is yate, yallah is yate' (Allah is
great).
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94 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 28
Sai ya komo, ya tada hankaka, ta che, ' Ai kai ne,
ina-ji ka ke yi.' Sai ta che, ' Tafi gida, idan gari ya wa-
-ye, n naa zo in tashe ka, kar ka zo kuma.' Saanan
gizo ya hankura. Da asuba ta yi, sai hankaka
ta je, ta tashe shi. Su-ka-yi masa tarbachen fikafikai,
su-ka-tashi, su-ka-tafi tsakar gulbi, su-ka-hau
baure, su-na-diba. Sai idan ya gani zaa su diba
wani, sai shi che, ' Nawa ne, ni na gane shi tunda farin,
kar ku diba.' Sai su bari, shi je, shi debe,
shi sa mala. Hakanan har ya debe baure duka,
ya bar su. Hankaka da ta kawo shi ta che, ' To gizo
ba (ka) ga abinda na ke fadi ba ? ' Sai su-ka-yi fushi (sk)
Then he went back, (and) met the crow. (And) she said,
' Oh no, it was you. I heard you doing it.' And she said,
4 Go home. If it is dawn, I shall come (and) waken you. Do
not come again.' Then the spider had patience. When
dawn came then the crow came and roused him. They (the
crows) gave him a feather each, (and) they rose and went to
the middle of the river (and) climbed the fig-tree (and) were
plucking the fruit. But (the spider) when he saw they were
about to pick one (of the figs), then he said, ' That is my one,
I saw (it) long ago; you must not pluck it.' And they
desisted, and he came, (and) plucked it (and) put it in his
bag. And thus (he did) till he had plucked all the figs and
let them (get none). The crow who had brought him said,
' All right, spider, do not you see the thing I was saying
(about your bad character) ? ' And they (the crows) got
angry,
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•«
96 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 28
su-ka-kwache fikafikaisu, su-ka-tashi, su-ka-zo gida,
su-ka-bar shi 12 tsugune, bisa baure. Ya rasa wurinda zaa shi bi,
gaba ma, baya ma. Shi-na nan har rana ta kusa faduwa, sai
ya die, ' Bari ni ma in tuma, ai su ma turna su-ka-yi.' Sai
ya tuma, sai ya fadi chikin gulbi, punjum ! Sai gidan kada.
Sai ya che, 4 13 La iya, ashe nan ku ke.' Sai ya dinga kuka.
Su-ka-che, ' Ina ka fito, ka zo, ka-na-kuka ? ' Sai ya che, ' Ya-
-ya ku bar tanbaya. Tun zamanin kakaninku, domin
kin ji ina yaro, na bache, a-ka-yi bida, aka gaji (ba g)
ba agane ni ba, sai yau Ala ya kawo ni.' Shi-na-kuka
da hawaye shabshab ! har su-ka-che, ' Bari kuka hakanan
kuma, ai ka zo gida ne.' Sai su-ka-ba shi daki wurin da kada
(and) snatched out their feathers, (and) rose up (and) went home,
(and) left him squatting there on top of the fig-tree. He could
not think where to go, water in front, water behind. He was
there till nearly sunset, and he said, ' Wait, I too must jump, for
it was merely a jump they (the crows) gave.' So he jumped,
but he fell into the river, plump ! And it was the home of the
crocodile. And he (the spider) said, ' There is no God but Allah,
this is the place you are.' And he commenced to cry. And they
(the crocodiles) said, ' Where have you come from, that you come
(and) are weeping ? ' And he said, ' Children, leave off asking.
Since the days of your grandfather, that you may understand I
must tell you I was then a boy, I was lost. I was sought for till they
were weary, and have not been seen except to-day (when) Allah
brought me here.' He was weeping, with tears falling splashing,
till they said, ' Stop crying like this now, for now you have come
home. Then they gave him a room where the crocodiles
98 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 28
kada ke kwai. Achikinsu, wani mai-hankali, ya che, ' Ku bari
mu gani idan gaskla ne shi danginmu ne.' Sai ya che,
' Ayi kunun laka aba shi, idan ya sha, gaskla ne, idan bai
sha ba, karla shi ke yi.' Yau sai aka-yi kunun laka, aka-ba shi
chike da kworia, da aka-kai masa. Sai ya che, ' Yaya wa ya gwoda
maku irin abinchin nan, na mutanen da wuri ? ' Sai ya fude
gUtsun kworia, ya gina rame, ya aza kworlan bisansa.
Kunun ya yoye duka, ya shiga rame. Sai ya che, ' Yaya
ku tafo ku dauki sudi.' Sai yara su-ka-zo, su-ka-dauki
kworia, su-ka-che, ' Ashe danginmu ne.' Dakin da aka-sa
shi, akwai kwai kada chiki, guda dari da guda daia.
Da zaa ashiga kwana, sai ya che. ' To yaya, idan
crocodiles laid eggs. (Now) among them (the crocodiles) one who
had all his wits about him said, ' Wait, let us see if it is true he
is one of our family.' So he said, ' Let some mud gruel be made
(and) given him. If he drinks it is true (what he says), if he does
not drink he is telling lies.' So they made mud gruel (and) gave
him a calabash full, which they brought him. And he (the spider)
said, ' Children, who has shown you this kind of food of the people
of long ago ? ' But he bored a hole in the bottom of the calabash.
He dug a hole, he set down the calabash over the hole; all the
gruel drained through and went into the hole. And he said,
'Children, come and take what is left.' And the children came
(and) lifted up the cup, and said, 'Truly he is of our family.'
(Now) in the room where he had been put there were the crocodiles'
eggs, one hundred and one in number. When he was going in to
sleep, then he said, ' All right, children, if
ioo ANIMAL STORIES. No. 28
kun ji pus ! ku che, Tusan bako, tusan bako.'
Ashe ya yi haraman chinye kwai kada. Ana- nan dare
ya yi, sai gizo ya dauki kwai kada, ya jefa wuta,
sai kwai ya pashe pus ! da ya ji zafin wuta. Yara
su-ka-che, ' Tusan bako, tusan bako.' Sai uwa-
-yensu su-ka-dinga yi ma yara fada. Sai ya che, * Ku bar su,
ai jlkoklna ne.' Yau idan aka-jima, sai ku ji pus !
* Tusan bako, tusan bako.' Hakanan har
ya gashe kwai duka, sauran guda daia. Da gari
ya waye sai aka-che, ' Yara ku dauko kwai nan
a-kidaya.' Sai ya che, * u Ku bai, ku bai, ni na dauko.'
Sai ya je ya dauko, aka-zana. Aka-che, ' Ajie nan.' Sai ya che,
you have heard pop! you must say, It is the stranger breaking
wind, it is the stranger breaking wind.' Of a truth he had the evil
design of eating up the crocodiles' eggs. Then when night came
the spider lifted a crocodile egg and cast it on the fire (and) the
egg broke pop ! when it encountered the heat of the fire. The
children said, ' (It is) the stranger breaking wind, (it is) the stranger
breaking wind.' But their parents began to scold the children,
but he (the spider) said, 'Leave them alone, are they not my
grandchildren.' Now, every now and then you heard pop ! and,
' It is the stranger breaking wind, it is the stranger breaking wind.'
And so (he went on) till he had put all the eggs on the fire except
one solitary one. When it was dawn they were told, ' Children,
lift up the eggs and let them be counted.' But he (the spider) said,
' Stop, stop, I have lifted them.' Then he went and lifted one, and
marked (it). They said, ' Set it down here.' But he (the spider)
said,
102 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 28
4 Aa ban in dinga kai ina komowa.' Aka-che,
* To.' Ya rika daukowa, ana-zanawa, shi-na-zua,
shi-na-lashe zanen da aka-yi, shi-na-komowa
da shi. Hakanan har ya chika guda dari da guda daia.
Saanan aka-che ya chika. Shi ke nan dada ya che, ' 15 Na gani
gida kuma, naa tafi in dauko kaninku,
da mata, in kawo zama daia, komi mutun shi ke bida
babu kamar mahaifa.' Sai su-ka-che, * To, babu laifi,
ka zo maza ga jlkokinka, ka zo ku di-
-nga wasa da su.' Ya che, ' To.' Sai su-ka-che,
' Akai shi gulbi, a-fishe shi.' Aka-kai shi, aka-sa jirgi.
4 No, no, let me keep taking (them) back and returning (with
another).' They said, 'All right,' (and) he kept bringing them
backward and forward; it was marked ; (and) he was going back
and licking off the mark they had made and returning with it
(the same egg). And so on till he had reached one hundred
and one ; then they said he had accounted for all. Things were
thus when he said, ' I have seen home again. I shall set out
and get your younger brothers and (my) wives that I may
bring them, (and we may all) become one (family). Whatever
a man may seek for there is nothing to compare with those
who bore him.' And they said, ' It is well, there is no harm
in that. Come back quickly to your grandchildren, come
and play with them.' He said, * All right.' And they said,
* Let him be escorted to the river and taken over.' He was
escorted and put in a canoe.
104 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 28
Ana-tuka shi har su-ka-kai tsakan rua. Saanan
wani mai-hankali ya che, ' A-je, a-duba kwai, a-gani.' Aka-je,
aka-duba, aka-gani, kwai guda daia ya saura.
Aka-che, ' A-yi maza a-komo da bako nan. Sai aka-je ba-
-kin rafi, ana-che, ' A-komo da bako nan.' Wanda
ke tuka shi kuruma ne, ba shi ji kwarai. Idan aka-che,
'A-komo da bako nan.' Sai gizo shi che, * To, ka ji,
wai a-yi maza da bako nan, sabon rua ya zo, yi maza.'
Hakanan har aka-fishe shi, ya yi tafia tasa. Shi ke nan.
16 Kungurus kan kusu.
He was paddled until he reached mid-stream. Then one of
the crocodiles who was smart said, ' Let us go and look at the
eggs.' (So) they went and looked, and saw one single egg
was left. And they said, ' Let this stranger be brought back
at once.' And they went to the edge of the river and were
saying, ' Let the stranger be brought back.' The one who
was paddling was deaf, he did not hear very well. And when
they said, l Let the stranger be brought back,' then the spider
he said, * There you are, have you heard, They say, Hurry
up with the stranger, as a freshet has come down. Make
haste.' And so (he said) till he was across ; (and) he went
his way. That is it. Off with the rat's head.
pLJ
io6 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 29
No. 29.
Wanan tatsunlar Jgizo che.
Gizo ke da 2maata tasa, sunanta 3wake, ta-na da
saniarta. 4Ta haifi da, namiji, ta mutu, tabar 6dan. Shi-na nan.
Maatar gizo ta-na-kiwonsa har ya girma. Ranan
gizo ya kwanta chiwo na karia, sai ya che, ta tafi
ta yi boka, ta gani, me ya faru, chiwo nan ya ki karewa.
Sai ya gwoda mata wurin wani 6 tanbo. Ya che, ' Akwai
wani boka nan, mai-ido guda, tafi wurinsa,
ki yi duba.' Shi-na kwanche, shi-na nishi,
4 i ! i ! ' Da fitanta, sai shi kuma ya fita,
ya bi wani wuri, ya yi maza maza, ya je, ya shiga chikin
tanbo. Da zuanta, sai ya che, ' Marhabi da maatar abo-
This story is about the spider. The spider had a wife. Her
name was Bean (and) she had a cow of her own. It bore a son,
(and) died (and) left the son. It was there, (and) the spider's
wife was looking after it, until it got big. One day the spider
was laid up with a pretended illness, and he said she (his wife)
must go and consult a wizard (and) see what was the matter with
this sickness, that it refused to get better. And he showed her
where there was a certain ruin, (and) he said, ' There is a certain
wizard here, with one eye ; go to him (and) consult the lots.'
He was lying down, and groaning ' e ! e ! ' On her going out
then he too went out, (and) took another way, (and) proceeded
very quickly, (and) went (and) entered the ruin. When she (the
wife) came then he said, ' Welcome to my friend's wife.'
UL&*Sl.b-jJl*yf*fa&
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io8 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 29.
-klna.' Su-ka-yi gaisua. Ta zube kurdi, ta che, ' Mijina
ne, ba shi da lafia, domin hakanan na zo, a-duba mani.' Sai
ya che, * Hakanan mi-jinki shi-na nan kwanche, chlwonsa
ya yi tsanani, idan ba 7 saniar nan naki ki ba shi ba,
shi tafi da ita daji, wurinda babu kowa, babu kuda,
shi kai nan, shi yanka, idan ba hakanan ki-ka-yi ba, sai shi mutu.'
Maatar gizo ta che, 'To babu laifi.' Sai ta tashi ta tafo
gida. Kamin ta isa gida, sai gizo ya rigawo ta gida,
ya zo, ya kwanta, shi-na-nlshi, ' I ! I ! ' Maatarsa ta zo,
ta ishe shi, ta che, ' 8 Na komo, boka ya che in gaishe ka.'
Sai ya che, ' Kaka shi ke, me ya gaya maki, chlwo nawa
na mutua ne, ko 9naa yi rai ?' Ta che, ' Ya che wai ka tafi daji
They exchanged greetings. She poured out cowries (and) said,
' It is about my husband. He is not well, (and) for that reason
I came that you may search out the cause for me.' And he said,
4 This is how matters stand. Here is your husband lying down ;
his illness is very severe. If you do not give him this cow of
yours, that he may go to the bush with it, to some place where
there is no one, not (even) a fly, and he take it there, and kill it ;
if you do not act so then he must die.' The spider's wife said,
1 It is well ; there is no harm in that.' And she rose up, (and)
went home. When she got home the spider had already got
there first ; he went, (and) lay down, (and) was groaning, ' e ! e ! '
His wife came (and) found him (and) said, ' I have returned. The
wizard says I must greet you.' And he said, * How is it ? What
did he tell you ? Is my illness to be fatal, or shall I get better ? '
She said, ' He says you must go to the bush
— 2*
n
i io ANIMAL STORIES. No. 29
da saniar nan, wurinda babu kuda, ka yanka.' Sai
gizo ya tashi ya che, ' Hi him ! har na ji 10shauki, shauki ? '
Yanzu sai ya tashi, ya zamna, maatarsa ta che, * Ka-na-iya
zua ?' Ya che, ' Naa "yayafa hakanan.' Sai su-ka-tashi, su-ka-kama
sanla, su-ka-shiga daji da shi. Su-ka-je wani wuri
da babu kowa, su-ka-che yaro shi tsuguna, shi yi bayan gida,
su gani, ko akwai kuda. Yaro ya tsuguna, ya yi bayan
gida, sai kuda su-ka-zo dayawa. Sai su-ka-che, ' Tashi.'
Sai yaro ya tashi. Su-ka-kara gaba, su-ka-che shi tsuguna.
Ya tsuguna ya yi torotso. Sai kuda guda uku
su-ka-zo. Sai su-ka-che, * Tashi.' Ya tashi. Su-ka-kara
gaba, su-ka-tashi su-ka-tafi da nlsa, su-ka-che
with this cow, to some place where there are no flies (and) slaughter
it.' At that the spider got up and said, ' Until I have got well, eh ?'
And now he rose up (from his bed) and sat down. His wife said,
1 Are you able to come ? ' He said, ' I shall cyawl (crawl) thus.' So
he rose up (and) caught the cow (and) entered the bush with it. They
came to a certain place where there was no one, and they told (their)
boy to sit down, and ease himself, that they might see if there were
any flies. The boy squatted down and eased himself, but the flies
came in great numbers. And they said, 'Get up,' and the boy
rose up. They went on. They told him to squat down. He did
so, (and) eased himself, but three flies came. And they said, ' Get up.'
He got up (and) they went on. They rose up and went far away,
(and then) they told
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us ANIMAL STORIES. No. 29
yaro shi tsuguna. Yaro ya tsuguna, ba su gani komi ba, sai
kuda guda daia, rana kua ta kusa fadua, ta aza ganmo,
ta yi ja zur ! kamar garwashi. Sai su-ka-che, ' Domin kuda
guda daia, me zaa shi yi, mu yanka shi nan.' Sai su-ka-che,
* Mu yanka shi nan.' Sai su-ka-yanka sa. Su-ka-fede, da gizo
ya gani jan rana, kamar jan wuta, sai ya che, ' Yaro shi tafi.
Ga wuta chan, yi maza ka debo.' Sai yaro ya yi gudu.
Kamin shi kai, rana ta fadi, sai jan tsuliar Dodo.
Sai yaro ya kai wurin tsuliar Dodo, sai ya dauki
kara ya tsokana, shi-na-che wuta che. Sai Dodo
ya che, ' Kai wanene ?' Sai yaro ya ji tsoro, ya che,
* Babana wai ka zo.' Sai Dodo ya tashi, ya biyo
the boy to squat down. The boy did so, and not a thing did
they see, but one single fly. (Now) the sun was near to setting,
it has got big, it was fiery red like burning charcoal. And they
said, ' Because of one single fly, what will he do ? Let us slaugh-
ter it here.' Then they said, 'Let us kill it here.' So they
slaughtered the bull. They flayed (it). When the spider saw
the red sun, like red fire, then he said, ' Let the boy go. See
the fire there ; make haste and bring some here.' Then the boy
ran off. By the time he got there the sun had set, and (nothing
remained) but the red anus (of the bush spirit called) the Dodo.
And the boy got to where the anus of the Dodo was. Then he
took up a straw and poked it ; for he was supposing it was
a fire. And the Dodo said, { Who are you ?' But the boy was
terrified (and) said, * My father says you are to come.' And the
Dodo rose up and followed
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ii4 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 29
yaro, ya zo, ya ishe gizo. Sai ya kwanta, ya che, ' Ga ni.'
Sai gizo ya che, ' Wa ya kira ka ?' Dodo ya che, ' Danka ya kirawo ni.'
Sai gizo zaa shi bugun yaro. Sai Dodo ya che, ' Kar ka huge shi.'
Sai ya bar shi, ya yanka nama tsoka guda, ya bai wa
Dodo. Sai Dodo ya che, ' Dan kankane abinan aboki
kiran aboki? Karo dai, 12dadi ne.' Sai gizo
ya kara masa. Sai Dodo ya che, ' Dan kankane abinan
aboki kiran aboki ? Karo dai, dadi ni.'
Hakanan hakanan, har Dodo ya karbe
naman gizo duka. Sauran gizo, da maatarsa,
da dansa. Sai Dodo ya che, ' Dan kankane abinan abo-
-ki kiran aboki ? Karo dai, dadi ne.'
the boy, (and) he came, (and) met the spider. Then he sat down and
said, ' Here I am.' And the spider said, < Who called you ? ' The Dodo
said, ' Your son called me.' And the spider was about to strike the boy,
but the Dodo said, ' You must not beat him.' So he refrained, (and) cut
off one lump of meat (and) gave to the Dodo. And the Dodo said,
' For a little thing like this does a friend call a friend ? Add to it,
increase it.' So the spider added some more to it. But the Dodo said,
' For the sake of a little thing like this does a friend summon a friend ?
Add to it, increase it.' And so on, and so on, until the Dodo had taken
all the spider's meat from him. There remained only the spider, his
wife, and his son. And the Dodo said, ' For a little thing like this does
a friend call a friend ? Add to it, increase it.'
n6 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 29
Sai gizo ya che, * Nama ya kare, wane abu zaa ni ba ka ?'
Dodo ya che, * Ko kai dakai(n)ka ka ba ni, ban kia ba.'
Sai gizo ya dauki dansa, tilas, ya ba shi. Dodo ya che,
4 Dan kankane abinan, aboki kiran aboki ? Karo dai,
dadi ne.' Sai ya dauki maatarsa, ya ba shi. Dodo ya che,
1 Dan kankane abinan aboki kiran aboki ? Karo dai dadi
ne.' Gizo ya che, ' Ko ni dakaina kuma, zaa ka kama.'
Dodo ya che, ' Tafo, shiga burgame.' Dodo kua, bur-
-gamen giwa ke gareshi. Da gizo ya gani hakanan,
akwai yayan duma wurin, sai ya dinga kwasan
yayan duman. Shi-na-zubawa chikin burgamen Dodo,
wai domin shi chika, har dian duma su-ka-kare. Dodo
And the spider said, ' The meat is finished. What kind of
thing must I give you ?' The Dodo said, ' Even if you give
me yourself, I shall not refuse.' But the spider lifted up his
son by force (and) gave to him. The Dodo said, * For the sake
of this little thing does a friend summons a friend ? Add to it,
increase it.' So he took up his wife and gave him. The
Dodo said, * For a little thing such like this does a friend call
a friend ? Add to it, increase it.' The spider said, * Even me
too you are going to catch.' The Dodo said, * Come, enter
the sack.' Now the Dodo had a sack made out of an ele-
phant's skin. When the spider saw this — (now) there were
young pumpkins at the place — then he began to gather up
the young pumpkins (and) was pouring them in the Dodo's
bag, as he said, to fill it ; (and he kept on doing this) till the
young pumpkins were finished. The Dodo
•• •
n8 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 29
ya che, ' Dan kankane abin nan aboki kiran aboki ?
Karo dai, dadi ne.' Sai gizo ya che, ' To babu wani abu
sai ni kadai, idan ni zaa ka kamawa to, ka kama.1
Sai Dodo ya bude bakin burgame, ya che, * Tafo
shiga.' Sai gizo ya shiga tilas, ba da sosa ba.
Sai Dodo ya damre bakin jika, ya tashi.
Shi-na-bidan itache, domin shi gasa, sai rakumi
ya zo, barwansa na bisa, da 13banbadawa su-na-
-yi masa kirari. Ya wuche, bai che masa komi ba. Aka-jima,
bunsuru ya zo, da barwansa, ya wuche. Aka-jima,
sai kusu ya zo, ana-yi masa kirari, shi-na-tsale.
Ana-fadi, ' Furub ! bata kayan Dodo. Furub ! ' utuntoja.
said, ' For this little thing a friend calls a friend ? Add to it,
increase it.' But the spider said, ' Well, there is not another
thing but myself. If you want to catch me, well and good,
you can catch me.' So the Dodo opened the mouth of his
bag (and) said, ' Come here. Get in.' And the spider entered
by compulsion, not of his own wish. Then the Dodo tied up
the mouth of the bag (and) rose up. He was searching for
a tree in order to roast (them). And the camel came along ;
his servant was on top, and his followers were singing his
praises. He passed on (and) did not say anything to him
(the Dodo). Soon after the he-goat came with his followers,
(and) passed. Soon after then the rat came ; they (his fol-
lowers) were singing his praises ; he was leaping about. They
were saying, ' Furub ! Spoil the Dodo's bundle. Furub ! '
plucking (at the hair on the rat's back).
t- • » >
i^4j*f*
i2o ANIMAL STORIES. No. 29
Zaa shi wuchewa, sai aka-che, ' Ai ga Dodo chan, da wani abu
gabansa.' Sai ya che, ' Mu je mu gani.' Su-ka-tafi, su-ka-i-
-she burgame gabansa. Sai kusu ya che, l Kai, me ka ke yi
nan.' Dodo ya che, * Kai sani wurin da dare ya yi maka.' Kusu
ya che, * Ku kwanche burgame nan mu gani.' Sai Dodo ya yi
fushi, ya tashi, ya kama kusu, ya hade. Sai kusu ya fito
masa ga shakira ya kuma hade shi ya fito masa
ga idanu, ya kuma hade shi sai ya fito masa
ga chibla. Sai Dodo ya fadi, ya mutu. Kusu ya che,
' Ku kwanche kaya nan in gani.' Aka-kwanche.
Sai ga gizo, da maatarsa, da dansa, su-ka-fito.
Sai kusu ya che, l Me ya kawo ku nan ?' Gizo ya che,
4 Ka ji ka ji wada mu-ka-yi.' Sai kusu ya che, ' Lalatache,
He (the rat) was about to pass, but they said, * Oh ! look at the
Dodo there with something in front of him.' And he said, * Let
us go and see.' They went and found (the Dodo) with the
bag in front of him. And the rat said, ' You, what are you
doing here?' The Dodo replied, 'You, know when night
overtakes you, and be wise (and sleep there). The rat said,
'Unfasten your bag that we may look.' But the Dodo got
angry. He rose up, he seized the rat (and) swallowed (him).
But the rat came out from his anus. He swallowed him again,
but he came out at his eyes. He swallowed him again, but he
came out at his navel. Then the Dodo fell down and died.
The rat said, 'Unloose this bundle (and) let me see.' It was
loosened. Then, behold the spider, and his wife, and his son,
came out. And the rat said, ' What brought you here ? ' The
spider said, ' So-and-so and so-and-so is what we did.' And
the rat replied, ' Worthless one,
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122 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 29
kwashi namanka ka tafi gida. Ala ya so ka yau.'
Sai kusu ya yi 16 tafia tasa. Gizo ya kwashi na-
-mansa, ya kai gida, ya yi gaya. Aka-zo aka-yanyanka
naman Dodo, aka-kai gida. Domin hakanan, mugun
kwadai, da mugun rowa, ba su da chau. 16 Kungurus
kan kusu !
take your meat, (and) get off home. Allah has been good
to you this day.' And the rat went his way. The spider
gathered up his meat (and) took it home, (and) summoned all
the people. And they came (and) cut the flesh of the Dodo
in pieces (and) took it home. And from this (you perceive)
that evil longing and evil greed are not beautiful. Off with
the rat's head.
124 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 30
No. 30.
Wanan tatsunlar
1 gizo che.
Wani zamani aka-yi yunwa, tudu da chikin rua babu abinchi.
Sai gizo da dlansa su-ka-rame, ba su samun abinchi.
Ana- nan ranan gizo 2 ya tafi wurin glwa, ya che, ' Sar-
-ki, Ala shi dade da raika, 3 shaki yuwa, doyina,
ta aiko ni gareki, wai in gaia maki, ba ta
kwando hatsi dari, in kawo mata, idan kaka
4 ta yi, 5 taa ba ki doki algarma, ama wai zanche, kune
na mainya, kar ki bari wani shi ji.' Glwa ta che, ' To babu
laifi.' Glwa ta bari aka-kawo kwando hatsi dari
This story is about the spider. Once upon a time there
was a famine, on land and in the water there was no food.
And the spider and his children had become thin for want
of food. And things were in this state, when one day the
spider went to the elephant (and) said, 'Chief, may Allah
prolong your life. The shief (chief) of the shater (water), the
hipopojmus (hippopotamus), sends me to you. She says
I am to tell you to give her one hundred baskets of grain,
and I am to take (them) to her. When the harvest season
has come she will give you a great horse. Moreover, she says
these words are only for the ears of the great ones, and you
must not allow any one else to hear.' The elephant said,
4 All right, there is no harm in that.' The elephant allowed
them to bring one hundred baskets of grain
7A i_«- •
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126 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 30
maza maza aka-bari samarin giwa, su-ka-dauki su-ka-kai
bakin rSfi. Da su-ka-kai, sai gizo ya che, ' Ku aje nan,
ku koma gida, in shiga in gaya mata. Ta bari sama-
-rinta su zo, su dauki, ai ku kun gama mai-wia.'
Yau, samarin giwa su-ka-koma gida. Shi kua,
da su-ka-tafi, sai ya koma gidansa, ya kirawo 6 maatarsa
da yayansa, su-ka-kwashe hatsi duka, su-ka-kai gida.
Da gari ya waye, sai ya je bakin rafi, ya shiga chikin rua.
Ya je fadar dorina, ya taras fadanchi, ya chika. Sai
ya wuche, ya tafi, har wurin zaman dorina, ya zamna, ya che,
at once, (and) some youths of the elephants were allowed to
lift them (and) take them to the edge of the river. When
they had brought them then the spider said, ' Lay them down
here, (and) go back home. I must go into the water and tell
her, (the hippopotamus), that she may allow her young men
to come and lift (them). For your part, you have finished
the hardest of the work.' So the elephant's young men went
back home. He indeed (the spider) when they had gone off,
went to his home and called his wife and children, and they
carried off all the grain, and took it home. When it was
dawn, then he went to the river bank, (and) entered into the
water. He went to the court of the hippopotamus' house
(and) met the councillors. He went among them, (and)
passed on, (and) went till he came to where the hippo was
sitting, (and then) he sat down, (and) said,
IjUjU
i28 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 30
' Ala shi dada da rai sarki.' Dorina ta che, ' Amin
7 gizama na koki, ina aka-fito ? ' Sai gizo ya che,
4 Ga mu dai, 8 yanju ina-zamne, shaki tudu giwa
ta aiko, aka-yi kira na, na je, ta aiko ni wurinki.
Wai in gaia maki, ta-na da tuo, ba ta da abin mia,
ki ba ta kwando kifi dari, idan kaka ta yi,
taa ba ki doki algarma.' Dorina ta che, ' Babu
laifi.' Sai gizo ya yi maza maza, ya che, ' Wai zan-
-nchenku na mainya, kar ki gaia ma kowa, ke kua
kar ki tanbaye ta, sai ta waiwaie ki.' Dorina
ta che, ' Babu laifi.' Dorina ta bari aka-kawo kwando
' May Allah lengthen your days, O chief.' The hippo said,
4 Amen, spider (husband) of the koki (fern, spider), whence
came you ? ' And the spider replied, ' Behold me, I was
living until just jow (now) as ujal (usual) when the shief
(chief) of the land, the elephant, sent and had me called (to
her). I went, (and) she sent me here to you. She bade me
tell you that she has grain foods, but has nothing for making
soup with, (and) you must give her one hundred baskets of
fish. When the harvest season has come round she will give
you a great horse.' The hippo said, * That is all right.' And
the spider made haste to say, ' He says, your words are only
for (the ears) of the great, you must not mention (it) to
anybody, and you, too, you must not ask her (any more about
all this) till she comes and mentions it first to you.' The
hippo said, ' There is no harm in that.' (Then) the hippo let
them bring baskets of
r^; vj
i3o ANIMAL STORIES. No. 30
klfi dari aka-sa samari su-ka-dauka, su-ka-kawo
bakin rafi, su-ka-aje. Sai gizo ya che, ' To, ku koma,
in tafi, in kirawo samarin giwa, su zo, su dauki.' Sai sama-
-rin dorina su-ka-che, ' Idan mu-ka-tafi, wani abu ya zo ya chi fa.'
Gizo ya che, ' Ku dai ku tafi, babu abinda ke tabawa,
idan ku-ka-tsaya, samarin giwa su-ka-zo, samarin wani sar-
-ki, da samarin wani sarki, baa su gamuwa, idan
ku-ka-tsaya, su-ka-zo ba asan abinda zaa shi abkua
tsakaninku ba. Saanan kun sa manyanku yawan magana
ke nan. Chin wake na yara, kunburin chiki na mainya.' Sai
baban samarin nan ya che, ' Gaskla ne, mu je gida.'
fish, one hundred, (and) boys were made to lift them (and) bring
them to the bank of the river; and they set them down there.
Then the spider said, ' It is all right, you go back (now). I must
go and call the elephant's young men to come and lift them.'
But the hippo's young men said, ' If we went off something else
might come and eat it up.' The spider replied, ' As for you, off
you all go, there is nothing going to touch them. If you were to
stand here, the youths from the elephants would be here, and (you
know) the young men of one chief and the young men of another
cannot meet. If you stood and they came, who knows what might
happen among you all? And by that time you have put your
elders at variance. Boys may eat beans, but it is (their) elders
who get swollen bellies ' (i.e. boys may quarrel, but their elders
settle the case). Then the eldest of the lads there said, ' It is true,
let us go home.'
1 32 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 30
Su-ka-tafi gida. Gizo ya je, ya kirawo 9 maatansa, da yayansa,
su-ka-kwache kifi duka, su-ka-tafi da shi gida, su-na-chi,
su-na-tumkar igia. Su-ka-tumka igia dayawa. Da kaka
ta yi, su-ka-tumka gindi mai-tsawo, kamar nan
da 10 Bajimso. Ana- nan, ranan aka-kone daji, sai
giwa ta che, ' Ku nemo gizo.' Aka-je, aka-nemo gizo.
Ya zo. Aka-che, ' Ina alkawalin da mu-ka-yi da kai zua ga dorina ? '
Gizo ya che, l Babu laifi, naa tafi in gaia mata, jibi
naa komo.' Gizo ya tafi, kwanansa uku, saanan
ya komo. Ashe ya je bakin rafi, ya bidi wani baban
itache, ya damra masa gindi. Ya kawo bakin igiar
They went home. The spider went and called his wife and
children, and they removed all the fish and went off home with
them, and were eating them, and twisting string. They twisted an
immense quantity of string. By the time the harvest season came,
they had twisted a long horse-rope, as (long as) from here to
Bajimso. Now one day when the bush was burned (by the annual
bush fires) the elephant said, 'You must look for and bring the
spider.' (So) they went and sought for the spider. He came.
They said, ' What about the promise we made with you with
regard to the hippo ? ' The spider said, ' There is no harm done.
I shall go and tell her. The day after to-morrow I shall return.'
The spider went off; for three days (he was gone) then he returned.
Now what he had done was this (aske). He had gone to the river
bank, (and) searched out a huge tree, (and) tied the horse -rope
to it. He took the end of the rope
134 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 30
wurin giwa, ya che, ' Ga igiar n dokin da dorina ta ba ki.
Gobe ake-fida doki nan chikin rua, wai ki bidi baban
itache adamra masa igia. Idan gari ya waye, idan
ku-ka-gani itache nan shi-na-motsi, ki bari samari
su kama igia nan, su ja, doki nan, ke nan.' Giwa ta che,
'Ashe hakanan gizo ? ' Gizo ya che, ' I.' Giwa ta che,
f Ala shi kai mu gobe.' Da wayewa gari, giwa
ta tara samari. Ashe gizo ya je, ya gaia ma do-
-rina, ya che, ' Giwa 12ta ba ni doki, in kawo maki,
ama ba ni iya jansa, ama igiarsa da tsawo, 13 na
jawo, na kawo bakin rafi, na damra ma itache.
to where the elephant was (and) said, ' Behold the rope of the
horse which the hippo gives you. To-morrow they are
going to take out this horse from the water, and she says you
must look for a huge tree to tie the rope to. When it is
dawn (and) if you saw (see) this tree shaking, let the boy
seize this rope and pull it, for that is this horse (pulling the
tree).' And the elephant said, ' Is it really so, spider ? ' The
spider said, ' Yes.' (And) the elephant said, ' May Allah give
us a to-morrow.' When the dawn came the elephant assembled
the young men. Now of a truth the spider has gone and
told the hippo saying, ' The elephant has given me a horse to
bring to you, but I am not able to pull it; but its rope is
long; I have dragged it along and have brought it to the
bank of the river and have fastened it to a tree.
^^<J5^^-U-S<
136 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 30
Idan gari ya waye, ki bari samari su tafi, su ja,
mahaukachin doki ne.' Dorina ta che, ' To.' Da gari
ya waye, samarin dorina su-ka-fito, su-ka-taras
itachen, da aka-damra ma igia. Shi-na-motsi, kamar
shi chire. Sai su-ka-kama, su-na-ja. Mutanen
giwa, su kuma, su-na-ja. Idan mutanen giwa
su-ka-ja mutanen dorina, sai akara masu wadansu
mutane. Idan mutanen dorina su-ka-jaye muta-
-nen giwa sai akara masu wadansu mutane.
Hakanan hakanan har mareche ya yi, su-ka-bari,
su-ka-kwanta. Gari ya waye, da asuba su-ka-tashi
When it is dawn let your boys go and pull, for the horse is
a rogue.' The hippo agreed. When it was dawn the hippo's
boys came up (from the water) and found the tree to which
the rope had been tied. It was swaying about as if it was
about to be uprooted. Then they seized hold and pulled.
The elephant's people also were pulling. When the ele-
phant's people were pulling the hippo's people, then some
more people were added. When the hippo's people were
pulling the elephant's people, then more persons were added
to them. And so it went on till evening came, and they
desisted, (and) lay down. When it was dawn, very early
they rose up
\jyffilk
138 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 30
su-na-ja, bar rana ta yi bisa. Sai dorina ta che, ' Abari,
atafi, atanbayi giwa, agani wane irin doki ta ba ni,
aka-ja aka gaji.' Giwa kuma ta che, ' Ku ban aje agani
wane irin doki ke nan dorina ta ba ni, aka-ja aka gaji.'
Yau yara su-ka-tafi, sai su-ka-gamu tsakan daji.
Sai samari giwa su-ka-tanbayi samarin dorina,
su-ka-che, ' Ina zaa ku ? ' Su-ka-che, * An-aike mu wurin giwa,
mu je, mu gani wane irin doki ta bai wa dorina, tun jia
ana-ja, har dare ya yi, har gari ya waye.' Samari-
-n giwa su-ka-che, ' Mu ma aikinmu aka-yi gun
dorina mu tanbaye ta hakanan. Ama da ya zama hakanan
mu koma gida. Ku kuma ku koma, ku je
and were pulling till the sun was above (them). Then the
hippo said, ' Let them cease, and go and ask the elephant and
let them see what kind of a horse she give me, that had been
pulled and pulled and tired (every one) out.' Now the ele-
phant also said, ' You leave off. Let some one go and see
what kind of a horse this is that the hippo give me, that they
had pulled and got weary (pulling).' So the boys went off,
and they met in the middle of the bush. Then the youths
from the elephant's asked the youths from the hippo's and said,
' Where are you going ?' They replied, ' We have been sent
to the elephant to go (and) see what sort of a horse she had
given to the hippo. Since yesterday they have been pulling
at it, till night came, till dawn came.' The elephant's youths
said, ' We too, our errand was with the hippo, that we ask her
this same thing. But since things are so let us turn back.
You too turn back (and) go
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\ i i — ^^
140 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 30
ku fadi abinda ku-ka-gani, ku che karta ne gizo
ya yi, ba mu gani doki ba.' Yau su-ka-koma daga wurin nan,
samarin dorina su-ka-je, su-ka-gaia mata wada su-ka-yi.
Samarin giwa su-ka-je, su-ka-labarta mata. Giwa
ta che, ' Ai dorina ba ta bii na bashi, ni ke biinta
bashi.' Dorina kuma ta che, ' Ai giwa ba ta bii na bashi,
ni ke biinta bashi.' Alamari ya zo, ya bayana gizo
ya yi karla ne, ya karbi abinchinsu, ya chi. Sai
dorina ta aika wurin giwa, ta che, kar ta yi fushi.
' Domin ita mai-girma che, ni kuma mai-girma che, idan
mu duka mu ka yi fushi, abin ba shi giyaru ba.
(and) say what you had (have) seen ; say it is a lie that the
spider told, (and) that we have not seen any horse.' So they
went away from this place. The hippo's young men went
and told her what they had done. The elephant's youths
went and told her (the elephant) the news, (and) the elephant
said, 'What 's all this, I do not owe the hippo, the hippo owes
me.' And the hippo said, ' What 's all this ? I do not owe
the elephant, the elephant owes me.' When the affair came
•
to be discussed it became clear it was the spider that had lied,
(and) received their food, (and) eaten it. Then the hippo
sent to the elephant, and said she must not be angry, (saying),
' Because she is strong, and I also am strong ; if we both get
angry, the thing cannot be settled.
142 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 30
Mu bari mu yi fako gizo.' Glwa ta che, ' Gaskia ne.1
Dada su-ka-dinga bidan gizo. Ba su gane shi ba. Gizo ya bo-
-ye, ba shi fita har ya lalache. Ranan yunwa ta chi kar-
-finsa, ya fito, shi-na-bidan abinchi. Sai ya gani fatar
barewa, ta mutu, wani abu ya chinye ta, ya bar fata,
da kai, da kafafu. Sai ya dauki, ya shiga chiki. Shi-na-
-yawo. Sai ya gamu da glwa. Glwa ta gane shi,
ta-na-zato kwarangamar barewa che. Sai glwa
ta che, ' Ke barewa ba ki gani mani gizo ba ?'
Sai barewa ta che, * Gizo ki ke bida ? Rufa ma kaiki
asiri, tunda mu-ka-yi fada da shi, ya nuna mani
Let us desist, and lie in wait for the spider.' (And) the ele-
phant said, * That is true.' Then they continually sought for
the spider. They did not see him. The spider was in hiding,
and he did not come out until he had got weak and thin.
One day when hunger had overcome his strength, he came
out (and) was looking for food, when he saw the skin of an
antelope, (which) had died — something had eaten it up, and
left the skin, and head, and hoofs. Then he lifted it up
and went inside. He was walking about when he met the
elephant. The elephant saw him and thought he was a de-
crepit old antelope. Then the elephant said, ' You, antelope,
will you not look for the spider for me?' And the
antelope said, ' Is it the spider you are seeking ? Keep that
your secret. Since we fell out with him he pointed at me
144 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 30
hannu na lalache. Ba ni kamnar in gane shi. Yanzu,
kowa ya yi fada da shi, sai shi nuna masa hannu,
shi lalache.' Sai giwa ta che, * Shi ne ya yi maki haka ? '
Ta che, ' I.' Glwa ta che, ' Idan kin gane shi kar ki che ina-
-bidansa.' Barewa ta che, ' To.' Giwa ta wuche,
ta tafi. Sai gizo ya yada fatar barewa, ya gudu,
ya chika da giwa, ya che. ' Ga ni, anche ki-na-bida na.'
Sai giwa ta dinga makerketa, ta na che, ' Na
tuba, ba ni bidanka.' Ta na fitsari daga tsaye.
Sai ya che, ' In kara ji wani shi-na-bida na, mu gamu da shi.'
Ya komo, ya dauki fatarsa, ya shiga, shi-na-yawo.
his hand (and) I wasted away. I do not want to see him.
Nowadays whoever quarrels with him then he points his
hand at him (and) he pines away.' And the elephant asked,
'Was it he who made you become like this?' She (the
antelope) said, ' Yes.' The elephant said, ' If you have seen
him you must not say I was seeking him.' The antelope said,
' All right.' The elephant passed and went on. Then the
spider cast aside the antelope skin, (and) ran, (and) met
the elephant (and) said, ' Behold me, they say you are seeking
me.' Then the elephant kept shaking and saying, ' I repent.
I am not seeking you.' He was making water through fear,
from a standing position. Then he (the spider) said, ' If I
hear again that some one is seeking me, we (I) will join with
him.' He went back, lifted his skin, entered, (and) was
walking along.
K
146 ANIMAL STORIES. No. 30
Aka-jima kadan, sai su-ka-gamu da dorina. Sai ta che, ' Ke barewa
ko kin gani gizo ? ' Sai ta che, ' Wanda ki ke bida nan, ni ba
ni so in ji sunansa, domin shi ya bari na lalache nan,' Sai
dorina ta che, ' Hakanan ? ' Barewa ta che, ' I.' Dorina ta che, ' Idan
kin gane shi, kar ka che ina-nemansa.' Yau ta wuche. Sai gizo
ya yada fata, ya komo, shi-na-fadi, ' Ina dorina ? Ga ni
anche ki-na-bida na.' Da ta waiwaya, ta gane shi, sai ta fada
rua, punjum ! Gizo ya samu kai(n)sa. Shi ke nan. 14 Kungurus
kan kusu.
Soon they (he) fell in with the hippo. And she said, ' You, antelope,
perhaps you have seen the spider ? ' But she said, ' This one whom
you are searching for, for my part I do not want to hear his name, for
he is the cause of my wasting away like this.' And the hippo said,
'Is that so?' The antelope said, 'Yes.' The hippo said, 'It you
have seen him, do not say I was seeking him.' So she passed on.
Then the spider threw off the skin and returned. He said, ' Where
is the hippo ? Behold me, I am told you are looking for me.' On
her (the hippo) looking behind she saw him and fell splash into the
water. The spider (thus) saved himself. That is it. Off with the
rat's head.
• -,
• .t£/% *«>(*
<^*^M%y^^**i
PART IV
CUSTOMS AND ARTS
150 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 31
No. 31.
Wanan l babi ne na 2 alaada aure
da 3 suna.
Wada mu ke aure 4 nana, tafarkin Muhamadia.
Idan 5 ka gani yarinya, ka-na-so, ko
budrua, sai ka bidi tsofua a gidanku.
Idan babu tsofua mahankalchia a gida-
-nku, ka je wani 6gu, ka nema. Ka sai goro goma
sha blu, ka aike ta da su, wurin iyayen
yarinya nan. Ta kai musu, ta che in ji ka, ta gaishe su.
Idan ta kai, idan su-na-so su ba ka, baa su
tanbaya tsofua nan me shi ke so, sai su 7 kyale har
ta komo sau uku. Saanan su che, ' Keauta nan
This is the opening of (a description) of a marriage and
a naming ceremony. The way we marry here (is after) the
Mohammedan fashion (lit. way). If you have seen a little
girl you want, or a maiden, then you look out some old
woman belonging to your household. If there is no sensible
old woman at your own home, you look somewhere else for
one. (Then) you buy twelve kola nuts, and send her (the old
woman) with them, to the parents of this maiden (whom you
fancy). She takes them to them, and says you have sent
them. She greets them. When she has brought the gift, if
they want to give you (the girl eventually), they will not
inquire of the old woman what she wants, but they do and
say nothing till she comes back three times. Then they say,
' These gifts
flf^y^r
^l^j^t^UL$^}te&$t)ft
w ^*^
i52 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 31
ta yi yawa, me shi ke so ? ' Sai tsofua ta che, ' Labuda
wanche ya gani shi ke so domin zumuntarku ta 8sa-
-du da shi.' Idan ta-na da miji, idan mutane gaskia
ne, tunda wuri, sai su che, * Aa ta-na da miji.' Su che, ' Ama
zuria dayawa, sai shi tarbi gaba.' Idan ba ta da miji
sai su che, ' To, Ala shi sa mu ga nagari.' Sai su juye
keautar da ka kawo, su bada tukwichi, dada ka
shiga surukuta ke nan, ka-na-yi. Wata rana
ka kai nama, wata rana ka kai kurdi, wata rana
goro. Duka nan da mu-ka-kidaya ba da sai ka kai
kaza ba, aa gworgwodo ikonka. Haka
ka ke kai, har 9uban, idan ya chika masa ido,
have become many, what is he wanting?' Then the old
woman says, ' No doubt he saw what's-her-name and wants
(her), in order that your house may be joined with him.'
(Now) if she (the girl) had a husband since some time ago
(betrothed), then, if they are truthful people, they say, ' No,
she (already) possesses a husband.' (And) they say, ' But the
family are many, so let him wait till some future time.' If she
has no husband then they say, ' It is well, may Allah cause us
to see good (come of this union).' Then they turn out the
presents which you have brought, (and) give a return present.
Then you enter this courtship stage. You are courting. One
day you bring meat, another day money, another day kola
nuts, all these things which we have enumerated, not only
such you bring, oh no, but (anything else) according to your
means. And thus you keep giving, till the father, if it is suffi-
cient in his eye,
• •
*' O
154 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 31
saanan su che, azo ayi roko. Saanan ka bidi
goro goma, da 10kurdi alif, agama, asamu
datljai. Su je, su kai, su che, ' Ga shi. Wane ya che
mu kawo, shi-na-roko aba shi wanche.' Saanan
su karba, su aje, ku tafo gida. Saanan su juye,
su bada tasa, akawo gida tare da tukwichi.
Saanan kuma ka bidi kurdi, araba, da goro,
aje, ayi ma uwayenta adua. Malamai unguwarku,
da su-ka-je, da malamai unguwar surukunaika, sai su ra-
-ba kurdin tsaka, da goro. Su, su dauki rabi,
ku kuma, ku dauki rabi, ku zo gida, ku raba
a junanku. Saanan kai, miji, ka bidi kurdi,
then says, they must come and ask (for the girl). Then
you seek for ten kola nuts, and a thousand cowries, and when
that is done, some persons of importance are sought, and they
go (and) reach the place (and) say, ' Behold it. So-and-so
said we were to bring (these), he is begging that he be given
what's-her-name.' Then they accept it (and) set it aside, and
you (all) come back home. Then they turn (the cowries) out
and give back the cup, (and) it is taken home together with
the return presents. Then you again seek cowries, (and)
divide, (and) some kola nuts, and they are taken, and given
with a prayer to her parents. Then the learned men from
your town who have come, and the learned men from your
father-in-law's, divide up the cowries in two portions — also the
kola nuts. They for their part take half, (and) you (all), you
take half, and you return home (and) divide it up among
you. Then you, the man, seek cowries,
156 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 31
zanbar goma, da goro, nkworia guda, da zanua
biu. 12Matan unguwarku su dauki, su kai.
Idan aka-yi hakanan, aka-wanye, sauran aure.
Idan yarinya ta chika, ba wani abu ake che ma
chika ba, idan yarinya ta isa 13marmarin namiji
shi ne chika, to, idan ta isa aure, sai miji
shi nemi zanen dauri, fudu, da 14shata, da mayafi,
da fatala, da dafuan akoko. Shi akan-che 15lalata,
da takalma, taki biu, da kurdi zanbar ishirin,
da wuri zanbar goma ne. Su ne akan-che kurdi -
-n tuo. Saanan abidi kurdi alif wa metin
azuba karkashin lefe. Zanua kua ajera su
ten thousand, and kola nuts, one calabash full, and two cloths.
The women belonging to your part of the town lift them and
bring along. When all this has been done and finished, there
remains the marriage. If the maiden is ' complete ' — now by
1 complete ' I mean, if the maid has reached an age when she
desires a man, that is ' complete ' — well, if she has reached the
marriage age, then the husband seeks four robes, and white
cloths, and coverings (for the bed), and head kerchiefs, and
dyed calico — this is called lalata, i. e. worthless — and slippers,
two soles (pairs), and twenty thousand cowries, formerly it was
ten thousand. And this last is called ' the food ' cowries.
Then twelve hundred cowries are sought and poured under
(the cloths, &c., in the) basket. The cloths, too, they lay
them out
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158 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 31
achikin lefe, aajie. Saanan abidi goro
ishirin, akai wurin uban maata, ache ana-so akawo
lefe. Idan ya gama shiri shi che, ' To." Idan bai gama
ba shi che, ' Tukuna.' Goro nan shi ne akan-che ' goro
neman baki'. Idan aka amsa, sai ku kai lefe,
ama alif wa metin ni nan. Su ne akan che, ' rubudinali.'
Idan kun yi hakanan kun kare, sai asa rana
ache, ka kawo kurdin 16lale. Su kuma alfen ne.
Idan aka-kai sai asa amarla lale.
Wanan fasali ne
da zaa shi gwoda muna wada ake sainya
amarla lale.
in a basket, and they are set on one side. Then twenty kola
nuts are sought and taken to the father of the wife (to be), and
they say they want him to bring the basket. If he has every-
thing prepared (for the final ceremony) he says, ' All right.'
If he is not ready he says, l Not just yet.' The name by which
these kola nuts are known is ' the kola nuts which seek of the
mouth ' (i. e. seek an answer). If a reply is given, then you
bring the basket, the one of the twelve hundred cowries.
They are called rubudinali. If you have completed all
this, then a day is fixed on which you are told to bring the
' henna ' cowries. They amount to two thousand. When this
is brought then the bride has henna put on (her feet). This
now is a description of how they put henna on a bride.
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160 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 31
Idan matanbayi ya tanbaye ka ina hukumchin sa amar-
ia lale, ka amsa masa 17jawabi ka che. Hakumchi
wada ake sa amaria lale. Idan aka-yi nufi za asa
amaria lale, sai abido gainye lale, asainya
achikin 18daro, azuba rua achiki, aajie chikin rana.
Shi-na nan. Yarinya nan kua, aaike ta daji, ko
gona, ko kauye, domin idanunta kar
shi gani. Idan ta komo da dare, aba ta tuo,
ta chi. Idan ta chi ta kare, ta-na-sude hannu,
sai wata tsofua, ko kaka tata, ko baba-
-nia tata, ta dibi lale, 19ta zuba mata. Sai ta di-
-nga kuka, ta-na-kuka. Idan aka jima, sai ta yi kiirum
If a questioner asks you the manner in which henna is put on
a bride answer him in these words (and) say. The manner in
which a bride has henna put on is this. If they wish to put
henna on a bride then they seek fresh henna (and) put it in
a large cup (and) pour water in (and) set it in the sun. It
remains there. This maid also is sent off to the bush, or to
an (outlying) farm or outlying village that her eyes may not
look on (the henna). When she returns at night she is given
food (and) she eats. When she has finished eating (and) is
licking her (fingers) hand, then a certain old woman, perhaps
her grandmother or her father's sister, takes up the henna
(and) pours it over her. Then she cries and cries. She is
crying. If they wait a little while then she is silent
1 62 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 31
Yan uwanta buduri sai su zo, su taya ta
kuka. Alaada su che hakanan, ba domin
ba su so ba ne. Idan aka-jima kadan, sai
su fita, su tafi wurin wasa. Idan dare
ya yi kwarai, sai su tafi wurin samarinsu,
su kwana. Da asubahin, su gudu, su komo
dakin da aka sainya su. Idan gari ya waye,
idan ta na da abuya, sai abidi goro, atafi
wurin iyayenta, akai masu goro, ache
ana-so wanche ta zo, ta chi 20abuyar amaria.
Sai su karbi goro su raraba ma dangi, domin,
idan 21zaa wurin aiki, su taru, su tafi.
Now her sisters come and help her to weep. It is the custom
for them to do so ; they do not do so because they want to.
In a little while then they come out, (and) go to where the
dancing and rejoicing is. When it is quite dark, then they all
go off to their young men, (and) sleep. At early dawn they
run off (and) come back to the room where they had been put.
When it is dawn (and) if she has any girl friend, then kola
nuts are sought and they go to her (friend's) parents, (and)
take the kola nuts, (and) say they want What's-her-name to
come (and) act * the bride's friend '. Then they receive the
kola nuts and divide them up among the relations, in order
that, if they are about to go to assist at the ceremony, they
should assemble and set off.
1 64 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 31
Ita kua, amarla, ta-na-kwana uku gidansu,
ana yi mata kumshi. Saanan ayi mata wanka da mareche,
saanan idan dare ya yi, ataru, da mata, da
buduri, da makada, ana-waka da 22guda, da kade
kade. Arufa ma abuyar amarla alkeba,
aaza ta bisa godla. Idan ba asamu go-
-dia ba, asamu doki, mai-lafia, ta hau.
Ama batun nan da mu ke yi, amarla 23ta je
gidan mijinta tun dadewa. Wanan da za akai
bisa doki, sunanta, ' amarlan boko.'
Idan su-ka-kai gidan ango sai su tsaya
waje, su-na-waka, su-na-che, ' Ba mu shiga ba,
She indeed, the bride to be, sleeps for three (days) at their
(her parents') home (where) she is bound up (in cloths to keep
the henna off her clothes). Then she is bathed in the evening,
and then when night comes they (all) assemble, women and
maidens, and the ones who play on drums, they sing and sound
the guda with much beating of drums. And 'the bride's
friend ' is covered with a burnous, (and) she is set on a mare.
If they cannot get a mare, a fine healthy horse is got for her
to mount. But during all this time we have been talking
about, the bride has already come to her husband's house,
(since sunset). This one whom they were about to bring on
horseback is called ' the pretended bride '. When they (the
dancers, &c.) get to the bridegroom's house then they stand
outside and are singing, saying, ' We do not enter,
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166 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 31
ba mu shiga ba, tsaitsaye, sai da bauya tsaitsaye.'
Domin akawo masu tukwichi. Idan aka-kawo masu
tukwichi sai su sabke amaria su kai ta
daki. Sai ta kwaranye alkeba, ta yes, ta fita
wurin wasa, ama amaria ta gaskia, ita
ta-na daki, kwanche. Idan mutane sun watse,
sai akai ta 24dakin mijinta, su kwana. Idan
ya iske ta budrua, sai shi bada 25kari, ko zo-
-be, ko mundua ta azurfa, ko kurdi,
ko zane, ko wani abu da shi ke da iko.
Saanan su kwana fudu daki, da buduri
da samari su-na-wargi. Ranan fudu, su fita,
su yi buki. Amaria ta yi kwalla, ango shi ma, shi yi ;
we do not enter, (we) stand outside, unless (we are given a gift
of) a slave, (we) stand without.' (They sing so) because they
want a present. When a gift has been given they take the
bride (the mock one) down from the horse (and) escort her
into the room. Then she takes off the burnous (and) casts it
down, (and) comes forth again among the revellers, but the
real bride is lying down in the room. If the people disperse
she is conducted to her husband's room, (and) they sleep
together. If he finds she is a virgin then he gives her gifts,
perhaps a finger ring or armlets of silver, or cowries, or a
cloth, or something which is within his means to give. Then
they sleep four days in the house, and the maidens and youths
are playing and rejoicing. On the fourth day they come out
(and) hold the marriage feast. The bride decks herself up,
and the bridegroom, as for him, he does so too ;
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shi rufa alkeba. Shi fita, shi yi yawo, shi gaida mutane.
Shi ke nan. Hukumchi
amaria ya kare.
he covers himself with a burnous. He comes forth (and)
walks about, (and) greets people. That is it. The bridal
ceremony is completed.
170 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 32
No. 32.
Faslu.
Wanan fasall ne na angwonchi. Idan matanbayi ya tanbaye ka,
ina wada ake angwonchi, ka amsa masa jawabi,
ka che, ' Idan yaro ka aure, randa aka-kama amarla,
sai tsofin gidansu su je dakinsa, bai sani ba,
ashafa masa l lale. Shi kuma shi zamna daki
shi yi lulubi. Samari su dinga zua wurinsa, su-na-
-zanche har akawo amarla.' Shi ke nan.
Faslun.
Wanan fasall ne zaa shi gaia mani wada shekaran
yarinya ke kai, ta yi z haila, ayi mata aure.
Mafi karamchin shekara da yarinya ke ganin haila,
shekara tara, mafi yawansa goma sha biar.
Descriptions (of Customs}.
This is a description with regard to the condition of being
a bridegroom. If a questioner asked you what ceremony they
have with regard to a bridegroom's condition, answer him words
such as these, saying, ' If a boy is going to marry, on the day on
which the bride is to be brought, then the old women of his
house come to his room without his knowing it was going to
happen, (and) rub henna on him. For his part he sits veiled
in the house. The other young men (then) come and chat with
him until the bride is brought.' That is it.
The Descriptions.
This description which is about to be given will tell what year
a girl reaches when she first had her menses, and is married.
The earliest age which a girl has (lit. sees) her menses is nine
years, and the latest fifteen years of age.
172 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 32
Mafi rinjaya shekara goma sha biu wa 3 kila,
in ji malamai na 4 suna. Idan yarinya ta kai shekara
goma sha biu, akai-ta gidan miji ko ba ta yi
haila ba. Idan aka-kai ta miji, shi bar ta, ama
ta-na tuo, ama ba ta kwana wurinsa. Idan
ya gani ta yi haila, shi kiraye ta, ta kwana
dakinsa banda sauran 6 matansa.
Shi ke nan.
Most commonly it is said to be about twelve years of age ;
so say those learned men of holy repute. If a maiden reaches
the age of twelve, she is taken to her husband's house, even
if she has not had her menses. If she is taken (thus) the man
leaves her alone, and she cooks (for him) but she does not
sleep with him. If he sees she has had her menses he calls
her, (and) she sleeps in his room without any of the rest of
his wives (being there). That is it.
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i;4 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 33
No. 33.
1 Faslun.
Wanan fasali ne na hukumchin aure bajawara. Idan mutun
ya gani bajawara ko 2 ya ji labarinta, sai shi nemi
wata tsofua, mai-hankali, shi aike ta kirawo ta.
Idan ta zo, su-ka-yi gaisua. Shi che, ' Lafia ? Na che
akirawo ki, na gane ki ne, hankalina ya kwanta
da ke, ina-son ki aure, ko Ala ya sa akwa-
-i kafa, mu sa hannu.' Idan ita kua ta-na-so,
sai ta che, ' Na ji. Sai ku je wurin 3 waliyina.' Idan
kai kua ka-na da wani abu kusa, kamar sile,
ko yar takofa, sai ka ba ta. Idan ta je gida,
sai ka bidi goro, ko nama, ka aika, akai ma
uwayenta, ache, in ji ka, idan sun 4lamun ta.
The Descriptions.
This is a description of the marriage of a woman of some
age whose husband is dead or has left her. If a man saw
a woman (widow or divorced), or has heard about her (whom
he wishes to marry), then he looks out for some old woman
of sense and sends her to call her to him. When she comes
they greet one another, and he says, ' Is it well with you ?
I said you were to be called to me, I have looked on you, and
my mind is at rest owing to your presence. I want to marry
you, if perhaps Allah causes that an opportunity arrives that
we may place our hands on.' If she too is agreeable then
she says, ' I have heard, but you must go to my guardian.'
Now if you have seen some little thing handy, as a shilling
or a trifle like a sixpence, then you give it her. When she
goes home then you seek kola nuts or meat, and send (them)
to be given to her parents from you, if they have consented
(to give) her.
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176 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 33
Shi ke nan. Idan ka yi surukuta kwana biu
sai ka aiki mutanenka, su yi roko aba su.
Idan aka die anba shi, sai ka bidi 5 kurdi alfin,
aje, ayi ma uwayenta adua. Saailin ka bidi
kurdi arba, da 6 goro hamsin, ka baiwa
matan unguarku, su kai, kurdin gaisua
ke nan. Idan aka yi haka aka gama, sai ka bidi
zanen dauri blu, masu-cheau, da mayafi, asainya
chikin lefe, da kurdi zanbar goma, su ne
ake che, kurdin tuo. Saanan ka bidi rubudmari,
ka zuba, akai gidan maata, da goro kwor-
-ia guda. Saanan, kamar gobe za adaura
aure, ka bidi goro, ka raba. Su, liman
That is all. When you have wooed her for two days, then
you send your people to ask that she (the woman) be given
them. If they say she is 'to be given him (?you) then you
seek two thousand cowries and they go and say a prayer
over her parents. Then you seek four thousand cowries, and
fifty kola nuts and give to the women of your part of the
town, (and) they take it. This is (called) 'the cowries for
exchanging greetings '. When this is all completed, then you
seek for two fine cloths capable of being twined round
a person, and coverings (for the couch), (and) they are put
in a basket, with ten thousand cowries, and these are called,
' the cowries for the food.' And then you seek the cowries
called ' the rubudinari ' and pour out, and they are taken to
the wife's house ; also one calabash of kola nuts. Then if it
be to-morrow that they are going to celebrate the marriage
you seek kola nuts, (and) divide them up. They, the priests
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178 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 33
da jamaa masu-yawa, da malamai, su taru gidan
uban maata, su zamna su damra aure. Idan
aka-gama su-ka-watse. Mata su taru, su tuka
tuo, su kai gidan ango, araraba ma mutane
tuo, damri aure. Idan dare ya yi,
akai amaria gidan ango. Saanan mata
su taru, babu kidi, sai waka. Arufa 7 abuyar amar-
-la, akai ta, domin wasa. Idan zaa su komo,
su komo tare. Ita kua akanche, ' amarlan boko.'
No. 34.
Faslu.
Wanan fasali ne na dauri aure. Wada ake daura
aure. Mutane sun taru, limami shi tanbaia
shi che, ' Wanene l wakili ? ' Ache, ' Wane.' Su che, ' Kaka
and a great number of people and the doctors of learning
assemble at the house of the father of the (wife to be) and sit
there, and perform the marriage ceremony. When they have
finished, they disperse. The women-folk meet and stir the
food (in the pot) (and) take it to the bridegroom's house (and)
divide it out among the people (present). (It is called), ' the
food of the marriage ceremony.' When it is night they take
the bride to the bridegroom's house. When the women
assemble, there is no drumming, only singing. ' The friend
of the bride ' (the girl who personates the bride) is covered
(head to foot) (and) taken (to the husband's house), in play.
When they are about to turn back, they go back with her
(the pretended bride). Now she is called, 'the pretended
bride.'
Descriptions.
This is a description of the marriage ceremony. What (they
do) in the marriage ceremony (is this). The people are
assembled and the priest asks, ' Who is the person who gives
this girl away ? ' They say, ' So-and-so.' They ask, ' What
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i8o CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 34
sunan miji ? ' Ache, ' Sunansa wane.' Shi che, ' Kaka
sunan maata ? ' Ache, ' Sunanta wanche.' Saanan
shi tanbayi sadaki shi che, ' Sadaki nawa ? ' Ache,
' Kaza.' Saanan idan sun yi 2 taralia tsaka-
-nin juna, sai liman shi che, ' Mu yi salatu g6ma
goma ga anabi.' Saanan taro duka su che,
' 3Alahuma swali ala sayidina Muhamadi wa Ala ali
sayadina Muhamadi wasalim.' Har su yi goma
goma. Saanan su yi shiru, sai liman shi che,
' 4Alahuma swali Ala sayidina Muhamadi wa Ala ali sayidi-
-na Muhamadi warham sayidina Muhamadi wa Ala ali
sayidina Muhamadi wabarik, Ala sayidina Muhamadi
wa Ala ali sayidina Muhamadi kama swalaita warhinta
is the husband's name ? ' They reply, ' His name is So-and-so.'
He asks, ' What is the wife's name ? ' They say, * Her name
is So-and-so.' Then he asks about the marriage settlement,
saying, ' How much is it ? ' They say, ' It is such and such an
amount.' Then if they (the girl's parents) have given their
joint consent, then the priest says, ' Let us say prayers ten
times to the prophet.' Then the whole assembly repeat,
O God be gracious to our lord Mohammed and the family of
our lord Mohammed and salute them,' till they have done
so ten times. Then they are silent. Then the priest says,
'O God be gracious to our lord Mohammed, and the family of
our lord Mohammed, and have mercy on our lord Mohammed
and the family of our lord Mohammed, and then our lord
Mohammed and the family of our lord Mohammed, even as
he wast gracious unto and will have mercy on
1 82 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 34
wabarakata ala, Ibrahima wa Ala ali sayidina Ibra-
-hima inaka hamidu majidu amin. Wane
6 ya wakilche mu daurin aure abin walichinsa mu daura
auren wanche da wane bisa farilan Ala sunan
manzo Ala bisa sadaki kaza. 6 Nakadan ga
shi hanu.' Idan anbia shi ke fadi hakanan,
idan ba abia ba shi che, ' 7 Ajalan, sai wata kaza
abia.' Saanan su yi fatiha uku. Idan shi-na da
kokari, shi yi wadansu adua. Bayan
hakanan kamar shi che, ' Ala shi bada chi da sha, Ala
shi bada haifua. Ala shi ba wakilai ladan sadawa
miji da maata, Ala shi sada hankulansu, Ala shi ba
gari lafia. Musulmi da su-ka-mutu tun zamanin
and bless Abraham and the family of our lord Abraham.
Verily thou art praiseworthy. Amen. So-and-so has given
us a union to bind, and the ceremony we have to perform for
him is that we bind in marriage What's-her-name and What's-
his-name, upon the faith of Allah, in the name of the
messenger of Allah, on such and such a dower. Behold it in
(my) hand.' If it has been paid (already) he speaks thus.
If it has not been paid (then) he says, 'And such and such
a moon they will pay.' Then they recite three verses (of the
Koran). If he (the priest) is very diligent he may say some
other prayers after this, as, ' May Allah give food and drink ;
may Allah give offspring; may Allah give the parents (of
the bride and bridegroom) the reward for the union of the
man and wife ; may Allah complete their intelligence ; may
Allah give health to the town ; the Mussulmans who have
died since the days
184 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 34
anabi Adamu bar yau, maza da mata, Ala shi jikai su, mu
kua, Ala shi sa mu wanye da alhairi, amin.' Shi ke nan,
sai mutane su watse, kowa
shi tafi gidansu.
of the prophet Adam till to-day, men and women, may Allah
have mercy on them. We too may Allah cause us to die in
peace. Amen.' That is it. Then the people disperse, each
goes to his own home.
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1 86 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 35
No. 35.
1 Faslun.
Wanan fasali ne zaa shi gaia muna hukumchi haifua.
Idan matanbayi 2 ya tanbaye ka, ina wada hukumchi haifua
shi ke, ka che, * Karamchi, chikin mache wata shida,
mafiyawansa wata tara, saanan ta haifu. Wani chiki
shekara fudu, wanan chuta ne. Ama idan mache
ta haifu, wada mu ke yi mata, sai adafa rua shi yi zafi,
adinga yi mata wanka, da ita da yaro, har kwana
bakwoi. Ranan mijinta shi sa goro, araba chikin gari.
Idan gari ya waye, mutane su taru, akawo goro
da kurdi, 3azana suna.' Shi ke nan.
Faslun.
The Descriptions.
This description will explain to us the ceremony at the
birth of a child. If a questioner has asked you what the
ceremony at birth is, say, 'The shortest time (in which
a woman can give birth after conception) is six months, (and)
the longest nine months ; then she brings forth. Some
conceptions are for four years, but that is owing to some
disease. But if a woman bore (a child) what is done to her
is this. Water is cooked till it is hot, and she and the child
are continually bathed during seven days. On that day (the
seventh day) the husband sets down kola nuts (and) they are
distributed in the town. When it is dawn the people all
assemble, (and) kola nuts and cowries are brought, (and) the
naming (of the child) performed.' That is it.
The Descriptions.
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1 88 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 36
•
No. 36.
^Faslun.
Wanan fasali ne na hukumchin suna. Idan matanbayi
ya tanbaye ka, ina wada ake zana sunan jinjiri ka che : —
' Ana-zana sunan jinjiri da swafe rana da ta haifu,
idan ta kewayo, mutane su taru. Llman shi che, Muyi
salati goma goma ga anabi. Idan su ka gama shi che,
2Alahuma swali Ala Muhamadi wa Ala. Ali Muhadin warham Muhamadin
wa ali Muhamadin wabarik Ala Muhamadi wa Ala ali Muhamadin
kama swalaita warahimta wabarakta Ala Ibrahima
wa Ala ali Ibrahima filalamina inaka hamidu majidun.
Saanan shi yi fatiha uku shi che, Samaina mauludu. Idan
namiji ne shi che Ibrahima ko Muhamadu ko wani
suna, idan mache che shi che 3 Fatimata ko Hadljatu.
The Descriptions.
This is a description of the ceremony of naming (a child). If a questioner
asked you what was done at the naming of an infant you say, ' An infant
is named on the morning of the day she (the mother) bears it, when the
day comes round, the people assemble. The priest says, Let us offer up
prayers ten times to the prophet. When they have finished he says,
O God be gracious to Mohammed and the family of Mohammed and have
mercy on Mohammed and the family of Mohammed and bless Mohammed
and the family of Mohammed even as thou wast gracious to, merciful
towards, and didst bless Abraham and Abraham's family in the world,
verily thou art praiseworthy and glorious. Then he repeats three verses
(of the Koran) (and) says, We name the child. If it is a male child he says
Abraham or Mohammed or some other name, if it is a girl he says
Fatimata or Hadijatu.
i9o CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 36
Saanan shi yi adua, kaman da ya so shi che, 'Ala shi raya shi,
Ala shi ba uwa da uba lafia.' Shi yi adua dayawa, saanan
mutane su watse. Ama anyanka rago tun mutane
ba su taru ba. Saanan azana suna, saanan
4 wanzamai su taru, mata su yi buki, idan mai-gata
ne. Idan mareche ya yi naman rago araraba
abai wa kowa sadaka. Ita kua maata nan, ana-ba
ta abinchi mai-dadi, ta-na-chi har jinin haifua
shi zuba duka, saanan ta samu lafia.'
Shi ke nan.
Then he gives a prayer, if he wishes ; he says, May Allah
prolong his life ; may Allah give (his) mother and father
health. He prays many times and then the people disperse.
Now a ram had been slaughtered before the people had
assembled. After that they name the child. Then the barbers
assemble (and) the women make a feast, if the man was of
a wealthy family. When evening comes the ram's flesh is
divided up and given as alms to any one. And as for her,
this wife, she is given the choicest food to eat until all the
after-birth has come away. By that time she has regained her
health.' That is it.
192 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 37
No. 37.
1 Babun.
Wanan babi ne zaa shi gwoda muna wada ake yi 2 sha gaba.
Idan matanbayi ya tanbaye ka, shekara nawa ake yi ma yaro
kachia, ka che, ' Shekara tara.' Achikin musulumchi ina wada
ake kachia ka che. ' Idan yaro ya isa kachia, sai
akirawo wanzamai, su tafo da asake, su yi ma yara
aski. Saanan agina 3 rame, asaka suma nan
achikin rame. Saanan akamo yaro, azamna
da shi bakin rame, 4 aririke shi. Wanzame shi hau
kafafunsa, shi zamna saanan shi kama bakin
loba shi jawo, shi yimte, saanan shi sake,
shi fida aska daga kube. Shi kama loba
The Beginnings.
This is the opening of what we are going to be shown of
what is done at circumcision. If a questioner asks you how
old a boy is when he is circumcised, say, ' Ten years.' Among
Mussulmans what is done at circumcision, you say (is as
follows) : ' When a boy has reached the age of circumcision
then the barbers are summoned (and) they come with razors
and shave the boy (head). Then a hole is dug in the ground
and this cut off hair put in the hole. They then seize the
boy, (and) sit with him over the hole and hold him tight.
The barber gets across his legs (facing him) and sits down,
then he takes hold of the edge of the foreskin (and) pulls it
back (and) pinches it tight, then he lets it go (and; takes his
razor out of the sheath. He catches the foreskin
3ft
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i94 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 37
iyaka wurin da ya yimche, shi sa aska, shi yanka
maza maza. Idan ya kai wurin tantani, shi ake che
"jar fata", sai shi tsaga da hannu, saanan shi sa
aska, shi yanke. Sai shi tamna bagarua shi pesa,
sai shi tashi. Idan sun yi su dari, hakanan
ake yi masu. Loba da aka-yanka, sai ajefa shi
chikin rame. Idan angama sai adaure da moda,
har shi kwana uku. Saanan atafo akunche moda,
awanke asa magani, amayar, adaure hakanan
ake yi. Wanda maganinsa ke da kyeau, kamin
kwana goma sha fudu, 5 ya warke. Wani kua
shi-na-kai wata guda, bai warke ba, idan bai gamu
da magani mai-cheau ba. Ama wadansu ba su damrewa,
at the limit of the spot where he had pinched it, he places the
razor (and) quickly cuts. If when he gets to where the red
flesh begins — this part is called "jar fata ", i. e. red skin — then
he tears the skin with his hand — then he inserts the razor and
cuts off (the skin). Then he chews up some of the seeds of
the acacia tree and spits (on the wound); then he gets up.
If a hundred have to be done, this is the method. The fore-
skin which has been cut off is then thrown into the hole.
When it (the operation) is finished then they tie up the part
with the leaves of the moda (hemp) tree, for three days, when
they come and unfasten the leaves, wash (the sore), put on
medicine, put on leaves again, and tie up as before. For one
who has good medicine, in about fourteen days it has healed
up, but some reach a moon without healing, if it has not had
good medicine put on it. But some again are not for tying
up (the wound) at all,
196 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 37
sai su sa kara, su na turarawa da hayaki. Da a-
-subahin idan ya bushe, su jika achikin
sabo kasko. Sai shi banbare, asa
magani kuma. Hakanan wadansu ke yi
har shi warke ama ba su kwanchi bisa tabarma,
ko buzu, ko dan sarki ne, sai bisa
rai rai, idan wurin rai rai ne. Idan babu
rai rai agarin, sai adebo gainye dayawa,
azuba chikin daki, su-na-kwana bisansa
har su warke. Ba su sa riga, ba su damra
bante, ko zane, ama ana-kashe masu
gara dayawa su chi. Idan sun ji kai kai
but set down straw (and set fire to it) and smoke the wound.
Early next morning if it (the wound) is dry they soak it (the
penis) (in water and medicine) in a new clay pot. When
(the water) loses its medicinal properties, some more medicine
is put in. Thus some do, till (the wound) heals. Now they
(the ones operated on) never lie on a mat or on a skin, even if
he be the son of a chief, but on sand, if there is sand about.
If there be no sand in the town, they then pluck many leaves,
(and) spread them in the room (and) they sleep on them till
they recover. They wear no cloak, they fasten on no loin
covering, or cloth, but are given all kinds of luxuries to eat.
If they have felt any irritation
198 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 37
ba su sosawa. Ana sainya karta su yi jira-
-nsu domin mugun kwana kar su fama
miakunsu. Domin hakanan akwai wani abu
ana-che da shi " Aka-chi ", su kan rika bugawa su-na-
-che : " Aka-chi, aka-sha, aka-kwana kasa, ko dan sar-
-ki, a-shi-kwana kasa, ko dan malam, a-shi-kwana
kasa, ko atajir, a-shi-kwana kasa, bale
talaka, wofin banza, a-shi-kwana kasa, aka-chi
aka-sha, aka-kwana kasa, ko dan wane, a-shi-kwana
kasa." Ama mache ba ta zua
6 wurin, domin kar su gane ta,
kwodainsu shi je
gareta.'
Shi ke nan.
they must not scratch. Big powerful men are set to watch
them in order that they (the patients) may not hurt their
sores by tossing about in their sleep. Because of this there is
a kind of (musical) instrument they call the "Akach?\ which
they beat while at the same time say (sing) : " They eat, they
drink, they lie on the ground, be he the son of a chief, he
must lie on the ground ; or be he the son of a doctor of
learning, he must lie on the ground ; or a wealthy man,
he must lie on the ground ; how much more the poor man,
the useless vagabond, must he lie on the ground. They eat,
they drink, they lie on the ground, but he the son of So-and-
so, he must lie on the ground." Now no woman comes there
lest they behold her and desire go out towards her.' That
is it.
200 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 38
No. 38.
1 Faslun.
Wanan fasali ne na 2 kachiar 3 mata. Idan matanbayi
ya tanbaye ka, ' Ana wada ake-yi kachiar mata ? ' ka che
wada ake-yi : ' Idan za afarawa sai ache su tafi su kama
rua. Idan sun kama rua, sai su zo, su kwanta,
su mike kafafunsu. Wani shi zamna bakin rame
bisa chikinsu. Saanan wata mache (mch) da ta iya
ta zo, ta zamna tsakanin kafafunta, wadansu
su kan kama kafafunta. Saanan 4 maatar nan
ta sa hannu, ta 5 kamo dan tsakanta. Ta sa
aska daga karkashin abin, ta 6 sharo shi har
bisa, ta kwalfe shi duka, ta jefa rame.
Saanan ta tashi, ta je, ta tsuguna. Wata kuma ta zo
The Descriptions.
This is a description of the removal of the clitoris of
a woman. If a questioner asks you (saying), ' But how do
they perform the operation of removing the clitoris of a
woman?' say what is done is as follows: 'When they are
about to begin, then they (the girls) are told to go and take
water (and wash). When they have washed, then they come
(and) lie down (and) stretch out their legs. Some one sits,
near the edge of the hole (they have already dug), on their
bellies. Then a certain woman who is skilled (in the work)
comes and sits between her legs, others seize hold of her feet.
Then this woman (who is operating) puts her hand and draws
out the clitoris. She places the razor under the thing, (and)
draws it up to the top (and) cuts it all out (and) casts it into
the hole. Then she (the girl) rises (and) goes (and) sits
down. Another also comes
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202 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 38
ayi mata hakanan, ko sun kai nawa hakanan
ake yi masu. Idan jini ya kare tsiyaya, sai
anarka mai kadainya, asainya masu, ayi masu
kirshe. Idan gari ya waye awanke, asainya
mai kade, wadansu 7 saboni, hakanan ake yi,
har shi kare.' Shi ke nan.
and the same is done to her, and so on whatever number
there have been. When the blood ceases to flow then shea
butter is melted and put on them (on the place cut) and
a cloth is tied between the legs. Next day they bathe, (and)
put on (more) shea butter, some (put on) soap, and this is
what they do, till the place is healed up.' That is it.
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204 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 39
No. 39.
1 Babun.
Wanan babi ne na matache. Idan matanbayi
ya tanbaye ka, ' Idan mutun ya mutu, ana wada ake ma gawa
tasa ? ' Ka che : — ' Idan mutun ya mutu dafarin, sai adi-
-bi rua, ashafa ga idanunsa, domin idanunsa
shi rufe. Saanan, idan mai-gata ne, sai
adebo rua, ayi masa wanka. Saanan adauke shi
bisa tabarma, aaje shi akasa, afuskanta
da shi zua 2Alkibla, arufa masa farin zane.
Saanan afita, agaia ma mutane, domin
kowa shi sani. Azo wurin biso, saanan
ache, Ana wurin 3 kabri ? Idan angwoda wurin kabri ache, Abido
The Beginnings.
This is the commencement of a (description) about the dead. If
a questioner asked you (saying), 'If a man died what is done to his
corpse ? ' you (can) say, ' When a man dies, then, first of all, water
is drawn (and) his eyes are bathed in order that his eyes may close.
Then, if (the deceased) was a man of means, water is drawn and he is
bathed (all over). Then he is lifted on a mat, (and) placed on the
ground (and) set with his face turned to the East (and) covered with
a new cloth. They then come out and tell the people in order that
every one may know (he is dead). They go to the burying-ground,
and they say, Where is the place for the grave ? When shown
where the grave is to be, they say, Let a stalk of corn be sought
206 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 39
kara agwoda. Idan aka-samu kara, sai
aje wurin gawa nan, adaidaita tsawo kara nan
da tsawon gawa. Saanan, idan aka zo da karan,
sai agwoda da kushewan adaidaita, agina.
Saanan ana-gina, masu-gawa su komo
wurinsa, su debo rua adama da magaria,
ayi masa wanka. Akoma, aajiye shi.
Su zo wurin jamaa, ache, Ana likafani ? Saanan
asamu fari, azo, adumka likafani
da shi, ana-yi ma gawa likafani. Idan mai-ga-
-ta ne, da abu biar, wadansu shida, wada-
-nsu bakwoi, da kworzale da fula
and (the corpse) measured. When a stalk has been found,
then they go to where the body is, (and) compare the length
of the stalk with the length of the corpse. Then when they
come with the stalk, they lay it on the grave (and) measure it
out (and) dig. While (the grave) is being dug the people
who have been attending to the corpse go back to where it is.
Water is drawn and mixed with (the leaves) of the lotus,
(and) they wash it (the body). He is once more set back (on
the mat). (Then) they come to the people and ask, Where
is the shroud ? Then the white (sheet) is procured and they
come and sew a shroud of it and make a winding-sheet for
the corpse. If he was a man with rich relations, as many
as five (robes) things, in some cases six, in others seven, and
a waist-cloth and cap
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208 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 39
da rawani, da riga, da uwan likafani. Idan anka-
-re, saanan aturara shi da kafur, ko da ja-
-wul. Wadansu malamai sun kia. Idan za ayin
turare, sai abido rua, amurza turare chikin
rua, saanan adibi azuba ga likafani,
ayafa masa. Saanan asamu rua tsaltsalka,
aje, ayi ma gawa wankan farila. Saanan asa
masa likafani, aajie shi, aje aduba ma-
-su-ginan kushewa sun kare. Idan sun kare
adauki gawa, akawo wurin, sarari mai-chau,
aajie, akirSwo malamai su zo, su yi masa
sala. Idan sun kare, adauki, aje, abisna,
and turban, and cloak and the mother shroud (i. e. large) (are
put on the corpse). When they have finished they anoint
him with camphor or spices. Some learned men have not
permitted this. If they are going to perfume the body then
water is sought and the scents mixed in the water, then it
is taken (and) sprinkled on the shroud (and) rubbed over
him (the corpse). Next they take some of the purest water
and come and wash the corpse according to the religious
custom. Then the shroud is put on (and) (the body) set
down. They go and see if those digging the grave have
finished. If they have finished the body is lifted up and
taken to some clear open space, (and) set down, (and) the
learned men are called to come and say prayers over it.
When they have ended they lift it (and) go (and) bury it,
1125-2
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210 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 39
Idan anbisna, asamu kurdi kadan
akawo, abai wa malamai, su yi adua. Akawo na mai-
-wanka daban, da na mai-sala, da na masu-ginan kushewa.
Idan aka-kare, sai kowa su watse. Mai-ku-
-ka na-kuka, mai-murna na-murna, har kwana
bakwoi, saanan akirawo malamai. Su taru, su yi
adua, su watse. Babu mai-zakua kuma. Mata
su shiga takaba. Idan mai-mutua ya kai kwana
arbain, akirawo malamai, su yi adua. Idan
shi-na da dukia, shi-na da yaya, araba masu
gado. Idan ba shi da yaya, akai duklasa
gidan sarki, ya zama na talakawa da marayu.
When he has been buried, a small amount of cowries are
brought, (and) given to the malamai (learned men), and they
offer prayers. Those who washed the body, and those who
prayed, and those who dug the grave are each given some
separately. When it is all finished, every one disperses. The
mourners mourn, (and) they who are glad rejoice, till seven
days pass ; then the malamai are summoned. They assemble
and pray (and) disperse (again). There is no further coming
(of friends and relations). The wives of the deceased enter
upon the period of retreat for the dead. When the deceased
has been dead for forty days the malamai are called (and)
they pray. If he (the dead man) had property and if he had
children the inheritance is divided up among them. If he
had no children his property is taken to the chief's house and
becomes (the possession) of the poor and orphans.
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212 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 39
Ama matansa su-na-zamnawa daki 4 wata fudu
da kwana goma, su-na-kukya kukye, saanan
su fita su yi aure. Idan su-na-kukya kukye
namiji ba shi magana da su. Su kuma ba su magana
da namiji bar su kare. Wanan alaada che ta Muhamadla.
Idan namiji shi-na-son wata chikinsu, ba shi magana,
sai sun kare. Idan ya yi magana da su tun ba su
kare ba, ko sun yi aure, idan mahukumta sun
gani hakanan, sai araba su. Shi ke nan.
But his wives remain in the house for four months and ten
days (and) they mourn ; after that they come forth and (can)
marry again. During this time when they are mourning
a man does not hold conversation with them, and they too do
not converse with a man until (this period) is over. This is
Mohammedan custom. If a man wants one from among
them (for a wife) he does not speak until (the time of retreat)
is completed. If he hold converse with them before they
have completed this period or if they have married, if the
lawgivers have seen that this has been done then they separate
them. That is it.
— w_i?
214 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 40
No. 40.
1 Faslun.
Wanan fasali ne zaa shi gwoda muna wada ake ginan
kushewa da wada ake biso. Idan matanbayi
ya tanbaye ka, ' Ana wada ake ginan kabri ? ' Ka che : ' Idan
mutun ya mutu, sai abido kara agwoda da shi. Saanan
atafi wurin da ake ginan, anome wuri da chau.
Saanan agina kadan. Saanan agwoda kara, idan
ya yi daidai. Saanan agina. Idan kara ya fi
tsawo, sai akara gina da tsawo. Idan aka gina,
ya kai ga. kwobri, sai 2 agina wata karama chiki. Saanan
agiyara da chau. Abido itache 3 asasare.
Saanan idan angama, sai adauko gawa atura shi
The Descriptions.
This description will show us how the grave is dug and
the burial conducted. If a questioner asked you how the
grave is dug you say, ' If a man dies, then a corn stalk is
sought (and) the corpse measured with it. Then they go to
where they are digging. A place is well cleared of bush ;
then they dig a little ; next they measure with the stalk (to
see) if it is the proper length ; then they dig. If the stalk
is longer than (the place) they have dug, then they increase
the length. When they have dug a trench about the depth
of a leg bone, then they dig a smaller (trench) inside (this
one). Next all is neatly prepared. Sticks are sought and
cut (the proper length). Then if they have finished, the
corpse is lifted and laid
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2i6 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 40
chiki, sannu. Aajiye shi da sauki ; ba akama shi
da 4karfi. Idan aka-ajiye shi chikin kushewa, 5amaida gabansa
gabas. Sai ayi adua ashafa masa ga goshi. Saanan
asa itache. Saanan asa gainye ko haki.
Ama wadansu ba su sawar itache sai tubali,
ko katangu. Saanan asainya dainyar kasa
ayabe. Saanan amaida busasa aturbude.
Mutane su watse. 6 Ya kare.' Shi ke nan.
inside very gently. It is set down with care, (and) not laid
hold of violently. When the body has been set down in the
grave its front is turned towards the East. Then prayers
are said and the hair on the corpse's forehead is gently
brushed back. Then the sticks are laid across and leaves or
grass put (on top). But some do not put sticks but mud
or potsherds. Then they put on wet earth and plaster over,
and the dry earth (dug out) is replaced and (all) covered over.
The people disperse. It is finished.' That is it.
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218 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 41
No. 41.
Faslu.
Wanan fasali ne zaa shi gwoda muna wada ake wankan gawa.
Idan za awankan gawa, idan ankawo rua mai-chau.
Sai akirawo wani malami shi yi wankan. Idan zaa shi Tarawa,
sai shi dauki wata jika, shi sainya ga hannu, dada shi debi
rua, shi kurkure ma gawa baki ; shi wanke hanuansa
blu. Saanan shi kama masa rua shi wanki maremara-
-insa. Saanan shi sa masa rua ga hanchi. Saanan
shi wanke masa idanu, shi yi masa alwala.
Saanan shi yi masa wanka, shi wanke kai(n)sa. Saanan
shi wanke kafada tasa ta dama har kasa. Saanan
shi wanke kafada tasa ta hagu har kasa. Saanan
shi wanke bayansa. Saanan shi wanke kirjinsa
Description.
This description will show us how the corpse is washed.
If they are about to wash a corpse, when they have brought
some clear water, then they will call some malam to do the
washing. When he is about to begin he takes a kind of bag
and puts it on his hand. Then he takes the water and washes
the corpse's mouth ; he washes its two hands, he washes all
the private parts. Then he puts water up the nose. Then
the eyes are washed and ablutions performed for it (the
body). Next he washes it all over ; he bathes its head ; then
he washes the right shoulder right down, then he washes the
left shoulder down to the bottom ; then he washes its back ;
then he washes from its breast
220 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 41
bar ga mara. Dada wanka l ya kare. Sai asumke shi
chikin likafani. Ama ana-yi ma gawa wanka ba da so-
-so ba, ba da sabuni ba, da rua tsartaka.
Ana-yi ma wani daga zamne, ana-yi ma wani daga kwanche.
Duka nan ana yi, da adua ake yi, bar agama. Ama
ba awanka kasashe fagin fama, ba ayi masa
sala, hakanan saryaye. Shi ke nan.
to below the navel. Then the washing is completed and (the
body) is put in a shroud. But a corpse is never washed with
a sponge and soap, (but) with pure water (only). Some are
bathed (while) held in a sitting position, some from a lying
position. All this is performed with prayers, (and) they are
offered till all is finished. But those who fall in battle have
not this done to them, nor prayers said ; and so it is also in
the case of a person executed. That is it.
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222 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 42
No. 42.
1 Babun.
Wanan babi ne na 2 chiniki. Ala taala 3 ya halalta
chiniki ama ya hana riba, shi ne 4 chin kura. Idan
ka-na-so ka saya, idan ka je 5 kausuwa,
ko doki, ko jaki, ko sania, ko ra-
-kumi, ko rago, ko akwia, ko kaza, ko za-
-bo, ko jimina, ko alfadari, ko dangogi
daga tufa, ko alkeba, ko riga, gare, ko gir-
-ke, ko tago, ko jaba, ko 6 sha jiki,
ko fula, ko wando, ko balar, ko zane,
ko alkila, ko wadansu kayan aiki,
ko sirdi, ko likafa, ko bauji, ko
kafu, ko linzame, ko kamazuru, ko
The Beginnings.
This is the beginning of (a description) of how people
trade. Allah the exalted has made trade lawful, but he
forbade unjust profits, that is (known as) the eating of the
hyena. If you want to buy a thing when you come to
the market, whether a horse, or an ass, or cow, or camel,
or ram, or goat, or hen, or guinea-fowl, or ostrich, or mule,
or of the nature of clothes, or a burnous, or cloak, or tobe,
with ornamental hems, or strips of cloth, or a short shirt
without sleeves, or a jacket, or a second-hand shirt, or a cap,
or trousers, or wide-legged trousers, or cloth, or a striped
shawl, or any implement of work, or a saddle, or stirrup, or
girth, or saddle-cloth, or bit, or reins, or
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224 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 42
kayamai, ko wani abu ka ke so ka saya,
idan ka je sai ka che, ' Nawa ? ' Ache, ' Nawa ka saya,
nawa ka bari ? ' ' 7 Zanbar dari.' ' Albarka.' ' Na rage
alfin.' ' Albarka.' ' 8 Na rage alfin kuma.' Ka che,
* Albarka, naa saye zanbar arbain.' Shi kuma
shi che, ' Albarka.' Kai kuma ka che, ' Na kara hamsa.'
Shi che, ' Albarka.' Ka che, ' Nawa ne gaskla tasa ?' Shi che,
' Gaskla tasa, zanbar tamanin.' Sai ka che, ' Naa
saya zanbar hamsin.' Shi che, ' Albarka.' Kai kua,
idan ba ka so ka bari, idan ka-na-so ka kara.
Idan ya game shi, shi bar maka, idan bai game shi ba
shi che, ' Albarka.' Sai ka wuche gaba. Idan ka gani
spurs, or some thing you wish to buy, if you have come (to
the market) then you say, ' How much ? ' You are asked,
' How much will you buy it for, how much will you allow me.
One hundred thousand (cowries) ? ' (Buyer) ' No, thank you.'
(Seller) * I have reduced it by two thousand.' You say, ' No,
thank you.' (Seller) 'I have reduced it by two thousand
again.' You say, 'No thank you, I will buy it for forty
thousand.' He too (the seller) now says, 'No, thank you.'
You again say, * I have added five thousand.' He says, ' No,
thank you.' You say, c How much is the real price ? ' He
says, 'The true price is eighty thousand.' Then you say,
4 1 buy for fifty thousand.' He says, ' No, thank you.' You,
for your part, if you do not wish (the thing at that price) you
leave off; if you want you increase your offer. If it has
come up to what he expects, he lets you have (the thing) ; if
not, he says, ' No, thank you.' Then you pass on. If you
have seen
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226 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 42
wani ka saya. Idan ba ka gani ba, idan ka-na-karawa
ka koma, ka kara. Idan ya game shi shi salama,
idan bai game shi, ba ka bar masa. Ama wada alaada
ta Muhamadia ta ke. Idan ka sal doki,
sai ahau, ayi sukua, ku gani idan ba shi gar-
-dama, shi-na da gudu kworai, ba shi tabaria, ba
shi tutsu. Saanan ache, ' Ansaya, ama 9 muu
kai gida mu dubi kamun hakinsa da shan rua-
-nsa kwana uku.' Idan masu-shi sun
lamunta ka kama, ku kai gida, ku daure.
Idan kun gani abinda ku ke so, ba shi da
alafa, ba shi da ruaye, ba shi da kasa, ba shi da
kilmiso, ba shi da wani aibi, saanan
another you buy (from him). If you do not see another (and)
if you are going to increase your offer you come back (to
the first seller). If he agrees to (your offer) he says you can
take it, if not you leave (the thing) with him. Now there
is another custom among the followers of Mohammed. If it
is a horse you have bought then it is mounted and galloped.
You see that it is not stubborn, (if) it has great speed, it does
not rear up and does not buck, then it is said, ' It has been
bought, but we will take it home and see how it feeds and
drinks for three days.' If the owners of it have granted
permission you catch (it) and take it home and tie it up.
When you have seen what you wish, (i. e.) that it has no hoof
disease, or hock disease, or eye disease, or sickness of the legs
(or) other blemish, then
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228 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 42
ku bia. Idan ka sai bawa, sai ayi masa wanka,
adubi jikinsa duka. Idan ba shi da albaras, ko
kuturta, ko 10 idanu guda daia, ko wani aibi
mabayani, saanan ku che adakata muku kwana
uku, ko bakwai, domin ku gani, ko shi-na da
aiki. Idan ba shi da kyuya, saanan ku bia. Idan
kun gani wani aibi gareshi, ku mayar, ama
da chi, da sha, ku ke ba shi. Idan ya yi maku n murgu
ba naku ba ne na ubangijinsa ne. Shi ke nan.
You pay (for it). If you have bought a slave he is washed,
(and) his whole body examined. If he has not white leprosy
or leprosy or one eye only or other blemish apparent then
you say he must wait on you for three, or perhaps seven
days, in order that you may see if he is a worker. If he is
not a lazy man then you pay (the price). If you have found
any blemish in him you give him back, but food and drink
you are the one to supply. If he has done any work for you
(the proceeds) are not yours but his master's. That is it.
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230 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 43
No. 43.
Faslu.
Wanan fasall ne zaa shi gwoda muna wada ake chinikin tufafi.
Idan kaa sai kore, sai arare ta, ka duba da chau
gaban dilali. Idan Jta game ka, ka bia, idan ba ta game ka ba,
ka bari, ka bidi wata. Hakanan, ko rlga, ko wando,
ko alkeba, sai ka duba da chau wurin masayi.
Ba ka zua da shi gida. Idan dare ya yi, ba achinikin
tufa ko wani abu. Idan rlga saki ka saya, sai
ka duba da chau gaban masayi. Idan ka-na da
abokin shawara, ka yi shawara da shi nan kausuwa,
ba ka zua gida. Saanan idan ka saye aje gida
akirga kurdi. Idan ka-na da dirhami nan ko
miskali, ka bia, ka dauki abinka, ka tafi gida.
Description.
This description will tell us what is done when buying
clothes. If you are going to buy a black tobe, it is opened
out that you may see it well, in front of the trader. If it is
what you wanf you pay for it ; if it does not please you, leave
it and look for another. And so with a gown or trousers or
a burnous, until you have examined it well in the presence
of the vender, you do not take it home. If darkness comes
on there is no further trading in clothes or other things. If
it is a blue striped tobe you are buying, then you examine it
well before the one who is selling. If you have some friend
to advise you (about the purchase) get his advice here at the
market-place ; you must not go home. Then if you have
bought, lay it aside in the house and let the money be counted
out. If you have silver or gold with you here pay (and) lift
your purchase (and) go home.
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232 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 43
Achikin sharaa ta Muhamadia babu rikichi,
domin Ala taala 2 ya fadi chikin Alkorani : —
4 Idan ku ka yi alkawali, ku chika, domin
alkawali abin tanbaya ne.' Shi ke nan.
In the laws of the Mohammedan faith there is no deceit.
Allah the Exalted has said in the Koran, ' If you made
a promise fulfil it, for a promise is something to be accounted
for.' That is it.
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234 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 44
No. 44.
1 Bismi alahi alrahmani alrahlmi.
Wanan fasall ne zaa shi gwoda muna kaman da ake kera 2mutun mutumi.
Alamarin nan shi-na da bai mamaki, Ama ana-yin dabara nan
da yinbu, da danko, da jan 3 karfe, da sinadari,
da dalma, da wuta. Farm, idan za ayin mutun mutumi,
sai abido yinbu, agiyara shi da chau, afida tsakuwa
da ke chiki, alude shi da chau. Saanan agina
panpama, saanan agina haba, ama na ga panpamar.
Saanan ayi hanchi da idanu. Agerta dunbarun baki.
Saanan asainya wani itache da aka-gerta kaman wuka.
Adinga shafe shi. Ana-sa rua kadan kadan ana-shafe shi
In the name of Allah the Compassionate, the Merciful. This account
will show how the (Benin) figures are made. This work is one to
cause wonder. Now this kind of work is done with clay, and wax, and
red metal (copper), and solder (zinc), and lead, and fire. The first thing
to be done if one of the figures is to be made, is to get clay and work
it most thoroughly, and get the little stones which are in it worked
out. It is well worked in the hands. Next the shape of the top of a head
is constructed (from the clay), and then the jaws on the same piece as the
top of the head. Then the nose is shaped, and the eyes and the lips made.
Then a certain stick which has been shaped like a knife is put (against
the model) and it is smoothed (with this). A very little water is put on
when it is being thus smoothed
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236 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 44
har shi yi chau saanan 4 ashainya rana shi bushe. Saanan
anarka danko, azuba bisansa. Saanan asainya wuka.
Idan ya yi karfl, ana-karchewa. Akarche da chau. Saanan
afura wuta, ana-sa wuka chikin wutan. Shi yi zafi
kadan, adauki ana-mana ma danko, domin shi damparu
da chau. Agerta idanu, da gira, da baki, da haba,
da geme. Saanan abido itache nan, mai-kaman wuka,
ana-tsomawa chikin rua, ana-mana ga danko, ana-sha-
-fe shi. Ashafe shi da chau, 5shi-na-walkla. Idan mache che,
saanan ayi mata zankaye. Wada shi ke yi 6 zankayen, shi-na-
murza danko kamar-igia, da rua, shi yi tsawo. Saanan (s)
until it is perfect ; then it is set in the sun to dry. Next wax
is melted and poured over it (the clay model), (and) then it is
gone over (again) with the knife. As it (the wax) hardens
it is smoothed over. When it has been well done, then a fire
is kindled, (and) a knife put in the fire. When it is slightly
warm it is taken up and pressed over the wax in order that it
may adhere well (to the clay foundation). The eyes get the
finishing touches, (and) the eyebrows, and mouth and chin
and beard. Then this stick like a knife is got out (and)
dipped in water (and) pressed against the wax, (and) passed
over it — it is well smoothed (and) shines (all over). If the
model is of a woman's head then the hair adornment is put
on. How the adornment of the hair is made, is as follows.
Wax is rolled out till it is like a string — water is used ; it
forms a long piece. Then
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238 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 44
shi yanyanke shi mana bisa kai. Saanan shi sa aska
shi tsatsage. Saanan shi yanka wani danko gajejeru,
shi kakafa bisa kai. Saanan shi murza wani danko da rua,
shi yi tsawo kamar igia. Shi ribia blu, shi daidaita,
shi aza bisa zankayen, shi mana. Abinda ya saura shi yanke,
shi yas. Saanan shi gerta wani danko da fadi, shi yi
kunnuwa da shi, shi mana. Ama kowane zaa shi manawa,
sai ya sainya wuka chikin wuta, shi mana ga danko.
Saanan shi zamna, wanan 7 ya kare. Sauran zubin
karfe. Idan 8 ya gama wanan sai shi debi yinbu,
shi rufe pampamar duka da yimbu, shi bar kafa kadan shi shainya
shi bushe. Wanan ya kare, sauran zubin karfe.
he (the smith) cuts it into pieces (and) fastens them on top of the
head. Then he takes a razor (and) cuts (them the required length).
Next he cuts off other short pieces of wax (and) sticks them along
the head. Then he rolls out another bit of wax with water, making
it long like a rope. He divides it in two (down the middle, not
across), lays them side by side, and puts them on the top of the
first upright pieces and sticks (the whole) on. The part left over
he cuts off (and) casts aside. Then he prepares a certain broad
piece of wax and makes ears out of it (and) fixes them on. But
whenever he is about to stick any piece on, first he puts the knife
in the fire and presses it against the wax. Then he sits down —
this (part of the work) is completed. There remains the pouring
in of the metal. When he has finished (the part just described) he
takes up mud (and) covers the whole head with it ; leaving only
a small hole. He puts it in the sun to dry — this part is finished.
There remains the pouring in of the metal.
240 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 44
Wanan fasali ne na zubin karfe.
Wada ake zubin karfe. Idan aka-debo wuta, azuba chikin murfun
kira, asainya zuga zugi, ana-fura wuta azuba gawayi.
Saanan adauki 9 mutun mutumin, adora bisan wuta, azuba rua achikin
kasko ko tasa. Idan mutun mutumi nan ya yi zafi, sai
danko da ke chiki shi narke. Sai adauko shi, adoro awartaki
bisa kasko(n) ruan, ko wadansu, itache, adora mutun mutumin
bisansu danko shi rika tsiyayewa. Hakanan ake yi
har danko shi narke duka atsiyaye shi chikin rua.
Saanan azuba gawayi dayawa. Adora mutun mutumin bisa wuta.
Adauko sandar karfe adinga sarawa da muntalaga, asara
dayawa azuba chikin tukuniar kira. Saanan atona gawayi
asa chiki, amaida gawaye arufe, akawo mutun mutumi, adora.
This description is of the pouring in of the metal. The way the
metal is poured in is (as follows). When the fire has been brought it
is poured into the melting-furnace, (and) the bellows are set to work
(and) the fire blown (and) charcoal poured in. Then the model is
lifted (and) placed on the fire. Water is poured into a pot or cup.
When the model has become heated then the wax inside melts.
Then it is taken up, the tongs, or some (take) a stick, are placed
across the pot (of water), and the figure put on top, and the wax
keeps dropping out. And it is held so till all the wax has melted and
dropped into the water. Then a great quantity of charcoal is poured
(into the furnace). The figure (in clay) is set on the fire. Bars of
metal are continually being cut with a hammer; many pieces are
broken up in this way, (and) put in the smelting-pot. Then they
scrape out a hole in the charcoal and put the smelting-pot in, replace
the charcoal again, (and) cover up. The (mud) figure is brought
and set.
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CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 44
adora bisa wutan. Adinga zuga, ana-jujuya kasar nan
ta mutun mutumi har shi yi ja. Saanan karfe ya narke,
sai adauko mutun mutumi, atona rame, akafa shi chiki,
domin shi tsaya da chau. Abude kafar, azuba narkaken
karfe chiki. Idan ya chika, to, ya yi chau ke nan. Idan
bai chika ba, sai akara domin shi chika. Idan ya chika, ya
kare ke nan. Sai aaje har shi yi sainyi, 10 saanan
aparpashe. Sai ka gani mutun mutumi mai-chau. Shi ke nan.
Aikin Ali ya kare.
[it is set] on the fire. They keep blowing the bellows, and
this clay lump is turned till red hot. Then the metal has
melted, then the figure is taken up, a hole is dug, (and) it is
placed in it so that it is firmly set. The hole left in the clay
is cleared out and the melted metal poured in. If it is filled,
that is well ; if not, more is added to fill it. If full then (the
work) is finished. Next it is set aside to cool, then (the out-
side covering of clay) is broken off. Then you see a beautiful
figure. That is it. The work of Ali is completed.
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244 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 45
No. 45.
1 Babun.
Wanan babi ne na jtraar fata. Ana jimar
fata iri blar, da jar fata, da baka, da fara,
da gangamo, da korino. Ama wada ake jimar
jar fata. Idan aka-samu buzun rago,
ko na akwia, sai abido toka da gainye
gwanda, asaba, azuba chikin toka, saanan
asainya fata achiki. Ta kwana blu achiki,
saanan afitas, akware 2 gashin, awanke.
Saanan abido bagarua, adaka, ajikata da rua,
saanan asainya fata child. Ta kwana blu
achiki afitas awanke ashainya. Ta bushe
saanan ashafa mata mai(n) shanu ko alayadi.
The Beginnings.
This is the commencement of (a description) ot tanning
skins. There are five ways of tanning skins (so that they
become) red skins, and black, and white, and cream coloured,
and green. Now how red leather is tanned (thus : — ) When
a ram's or goat's skin has been procured, then ashes and
pawpaw leaves are sought. They (the leaves) are rubbed
down and poured among the ashes (and) then the skin is put
in. It is left two days in the mixture (and) then removed,
(and) the hairs rubbed off (and) washed. Then the seeds
of the acacia are procured (and) pounded (and) moistened
with water, (and) then the skin put in. It lies in it two days,
is taken out, washed, spread in the sun. It dries, (and) then
the fat of a cow is rubbed on it, or palm oil.
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246 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 45
Achude ta da shi. Saanan adaka karan daft
da kanwa, asainya chikin rua, asainya fatar achiki.
Achudeta asainya ta chikin ruan zafi azazage ta.
Saanan ayanyanka laimu, asainya ta achiki, amurza ta,
Saanan afitas, ashainya chikin inua, sai ta yi chau.
Haka ake yin jar fata. Ama baka, idan aka sainya
buzu achikin toka aka-jeme, sai asainya
ta chikin bagarua, achude ta, abar ta, ta yi kwana
bm chiki, saanan afitas, ashainya.
Idan ta sha iska sai asa kuloko. Shi ke nan.
It is rubbed well with it. Next stalks of dafi (?) and natron are
pounded and put in water, and the skin put in. It is worked
soft (and) then put into hot water and shaken out. Then
limes are cut up (and) it (the skin) is put among1 them (and)
rolled about (in them). Then it is taken out and dried in the
shade, until it is as desired. This is how red leather is made.
As for black, when the skin has been put among the ashes
(and) the hair rubbed off, then it is put among the acacia
(seeds) and worked with the hands, and then left in for two
days. Then it is taken out (and) spread out. When it has
been aired (lit. drunk the air) then the ' kuloko ' is put on.
That is it.
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248 CUSTOMS AND ARTS. No. 46
No. 46.
Faslu«
Wanan fasall ne na kuloko. Wada ake yin kulo-
-ko. Ana-bida kashin makera, idan ba-
-bu, asamu guntayen karufa. Asainya
achikin kasko, ko tukunia. Azuba rua,
da zumuwa, ko sikiri, ko giar hatsi, ko
man fura, azuba chiki. Shi tsima, ya zama kulo-
-ko ke nan. Kome ka ke so ka mayar baki,
ko da l ya yi fan kamar takarda. Idan ka dibi,
ka zuba akai(n)sa sai shi zama baki. Shi ke nan.
2 Na chi, na bia, ban hadie ba,
ka ga bakina.
Descriptions.
This is a description of ' kuloko'. The way ' kuloko ' is made
(is as follows). Iron filings are sought, or if not to be had,
pieces of iron. They are put into a clay pot or iron vessel
(and) water poured in, also honey, or sugar, or beer made of
corn, or water of porridge, is poured in. It stands (for about
three days). This becomes 'kuloko'. Whatever you wish
you can change it black, though it has been as white as paper.
If you take it, the ' kuloko ', and pour it on the top then it
becomes black. That is it.
I have eaten, I have paid, I have not swallowed, you have
seen my mouth (i. e. I have taken your pay, I have finished
your work, I have not refused to tell you all, behold my
work).
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PART V
PROVERBS
Babun.
Wanan babi ne na sherbachen magana
shi akan che, c habaichi.' Mun fara anan.
The Beginnings.
This is the beginning of words which are taken and jumbled
up (that a man may not know their meaning), and such is
called a * habaichi\ proverb. We have here begun.
254 PROVERBS
1. Bakin jini na l muzuru, mai-kaza zagi, maras kaza zagi.
2. Hanunrua ba goro ba, agulu ba nama ba.
3. Kafar agulu bata mia.
4. Idan ka gani akwia makwanchin zaki, sai aji tsoronta.
5. Idan ka gani zdmo shi na 2baje 3bunga kare, ya goyo damisa ne.
6. 4Agwagwa ba ruanki da tsafi.
7. Hanchi bai san dadin gishiri ba.
8. Abinda ke giwayan bayan gida, zaa shi shiga gida ne.
9. 5 Wa masani ? Wa ya ki nasa, sai wawa ?
10. Idan 6ka kori yaro shi-na-gudu, ka-na-binsa zaa shi shiga zaure
ya komo, ya tsaya, ba banza ba, akwai ubansa ne.
1. The torn cat is a bad character, the owner of a fowl curses him,
and he who has no fowl curses him.
2. The hanunrua (nut) is not a real kola nut, (though like it), the
vulture is not meat (i.e. you do not eat it).
3. The vulture's foot spoils the soup.
4. If you see a goat at the lion's sleeping-place, you fear her.
5. If you see a hare dancing on the dog's earth mound, you may be
sure he is carrying a leopard on his back.
6. Duck, you have nothing to do with the sacrifice.
7. The nose does not know the flavour of the salt.
8. The thing (you see) going round the back of the house, it
intends to enter the house.
9. Who knows best ? Who hates his own relations, except a fool ?
10. If you have chased a boy, (and) he runs off, (and) you follow
him, (and) when he is just about to enter the porch leading to his
house, he comes back (and) stands (waiting for you), he does not do
that for nothing, his father is there.
256 PROVERBS
n. Damana mai-ban samu.
12. Rashin farm wata, tamraro ke haske.
13. Rashin uwa, akan yi uwar daki.
14. Kusu ne ba shi gida, domin hakanan su ke ajia barkatai.
15. 7Kinwa che ba ta gida, domin hakanan bera ke gada.
1 6. Ai wane kifin rijia ne.
1 7. Nama mai-wari shi-ka-kama kura.
1 8. Sania ashafanta ake-yi, tun ba afara twatsanta ba.
19. Gatari da wuta, mai-wiar rataya.
20. Lizame da wuta maganin tsayayan doki.
21. Kaza mai-yaya, ita ke ts5ro shirwa.
11. It is the rainy season that gives wealth.
12. When the moon is not full, the stars are bright.
13. If one has not a mother of one's own, one makes one
whom one calls one's ' house-mother '.
14. There is not a rat in the house, that is why the things
are left scattered about just anyhow.
15. The cat is not at home, because of that the mice are
playing.
1 6. No, So-and-so is a fish from a well. (A shy man.).
1 7. It is the stinking bit of meat that catches the hyena.
1 8. They pat the cow before they begin to milk her.
19. A (red) -hot axe is difficult to carry on the shoulder.
20. A hot bit is the cure for a stubborn horse.
21. It is the hen with chickens that fears the hawk.
R
258 PROVERBS
22. Tsoro na daji, kumya ta-na gida.
23. 8 Akwia taa yi wayo da yankaken kunne.
24. Idan mugun mutun ya shibka zanba, kai ka sa lauje ka yanke.
25. Tantabara dukla sama, idan kin tashi, Ala ka kawo ki gida.
26. Idan da kamar nika, kwado ya fi kwagua.
27. 9Gatari ga nama, nama ga wuta.
28. A shekara saran rua, sai tanbatse.
29. Gumagumai ka kwana da wuta, kirarua sai toka.
30. Rimi tsakar gida, ranan sara mutanen gida na kuka, na waje na murna.
3 1 . Yaro ya so aure, 10 gidansu babu godla.
32. n Adawa ba ta hana samu ba.
22. Terror is a thing of the wilds, shame of the home (the abode of men).
23. The goat will learn sense by having its ears slit.
24. If a bad man has sown evil, do you set your sickle to it and cut it
down.
25. Pigeon, your riches (food) are in the sky ; when you have risen aloft,
Allah it is who brings you back home.
26. If it is a matter of grinding corn (between two stones) the frog
should be better at it than the crab.
27. Axe, there is the meat ; meat, there is the fire.
28. Though one were to spend a year hacking at water (one would
make no impression on it) it only splashes up (and is still again).
29. (If you have) a big log you have a fire beside you all night, if a stick,
then ashes only.
30. The silk cotton tree in the middle of the compound, on the day it
cut down the people of the house grieve, outsiders rejoice.
31. The boy wants to marry, but at their (his) house there is no
(he has no money).
32. Because a person hates you, that does not prevent you getting wl
you want.
26o PROVERBS
33. Jia Ka raba yau aka-ba mu.
34. Zaman dunia hakuri, mai-kla sun fi ma-soya.
35. Domin 12 dan karamin tsuguni nan, ba shi yi mani komi.
36. Aki marada, azamna da wa ?
37. Ma-aikata da ' wai ', zunubinku ka dadu.
38. 13 Lale mai-saurin kamu.
39. Gingidin kunama, kowa ya taba, shi sha kashi.
40. Mai-hali, mai-sabo.
41. Ala ke da rabo, daa mutun ke da rabo, daa wani bai samu ba.
42. Ala ya glara rlmi, chidia ta bar fushi
43. Harara bai mari ba.
44. u Idanun da ya gani sarki ba shi tsoro galadlma.
33. Yesterday You (Allah) portioned out (good and evil fortune), to-
day we shall be given (our share).
34. Live patiently in the world ; (know that) those who hate you
are more numerous than they who love you.
35. Because of these few people (shall I desist) ? they cannot
harm me.
36. If you refuse to live with the slanderer, whom are you going to
live with ?
37. You who condemn on hear-say evidence alone, your sins
increase.
38. Henna stains quickly.
39. The snoozing scorpion, whoever touches it (quickly) gets a blow.
40. He who is naturally gifted in anything becomes expert in it.
41. Allah has the portioning out (of blessings), if it was man who
had the distribution of them, some would go without.
42. Allah made the (great) silk cotton tree beautiful, let the (little)
chidia tree cease being angry (discontented).
43. A frown is not a slap, (it does not hurt).
44. The eyes that beheld the chief do not fear the galadima
(a court official).
#>•"»• flfc'5
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262 PROVERBS
45. Mai-chiniki chikin dufu, kai dai jimri lalabe.
46. Dainyan kasko wanda ba shi kai ma bai' daki.
47. Murfu uku ba shi kasa wa yaro rlga.
48. Tuo tulu mai-wlar kwashewa da 15 mara.
49. Munduwar wla, ana-so zarewa, ana tsoro jin chiwo.
50. Wanda bai sha kashi ba, ba shi jin bari.
51. Mai-lamuni, shi ne ma-bachi.
52. Mai-dadin kai shi-na-fito daga Ala.
53. Wanda ya bi ki, ya bi iska.
54. Gangara kogi, mu je Zaria.
55. Har shi mutu ba shi kula kaba.
45. The man who works at his business in the dark must
always be feeling about with his hands.
46. An unburned earthen pot is not one to bring water in
behind the house.
47. The three cooking-stones (i.e. the family) do not fail
to give the boy a coat.
48. The food in the pot with the narrow neck is difficult to
take out with the 'mara' (spoon) (a flat bit of a broken calabash).
49. The ornamental metal rings round the neck, when one
wants to take them off, one cannot, for fear of hurting the
person.
50. One who has never had a flogging will not pay any
attention when you merely tell him to stop.
5 1 . He who goes surety is (often) the one who has to pay.
52. The truly contented man comes from Allah.
53. He who follows you (the advice given) follows the wind.
54. Here is the river bank, let us slide down and go to Zaria.
55. Till he dies he will not twist a ' kaba ' palm -leaf even.
(He is good for nothing.)
264 PROVERBS
56. Idan ba ka shan fura, bari dama ta.
57. Magani ya kare ana-16gudin jan jika.
58. Dutsi afar maka babu dadi, ka far ma mutun babu dadi.
59. Makwanchin zaki damisa na haushi.
60. Suturan Ala ta yi gaba, ama mazambachi ya bi ya gaji.
61. Mutun ba shi sani wada laifi dunia shi ke ba, ko baba da babanai.
62. Kuyenga yi magana, che ba ki kara kai taki bakin marmaro.
63. Harara da ya tsuna ba shi tada gofna shi na bakin mashaya.
64. Kumurchi yai hadia, bai hadi ba, anmatse baki, ya tudas.
65. Ko dawuri na fadi daria 'ga ta yi yawa, barna achiki.
66. Wanda bai yi tara kashi ba ya chiji shakiraka, kar ka ji tara
majina chiji hanchinsa.
56. If you are not going to drink the pap, stop stirring it.
57. When the medicine (in the medicine bag) is finished, (the doctor)
runs away for fear they snatch the bag from him.
58. You, O stone, if a man falls on you, it is not pleasant, if you fall on
a man, it is not pleasant (for him).
59. The leopard envies the lion's resting-place.
60. The blessing of Allah goes before, but the evildoer follows it in
vain till he is weary.
6 1. A man does not know what evil there is in the world be he (your)
father or father's brother (i.e. old and full of experience).
62. Slave girl, speak ; say you will not carry the sweepings of the house
to the spring, any more. (Meaning obscure.)
63. A scowling look will not cause the ' gofna (?) ' to rise up from the
drinking-place.
64. When the python is swallowing (anything), but has not yet finished
swallowing, and they squeeze its mouth, it vomits it up.
65. From the first I maintained that this excessive laughter had evil as
its cause.
66. He who is not averse to eating excrement, and therefore bites you
on the anus, as for you, do not be squeamish about mucus, but bite him on
the nose.
266 PROVERBS
67. Ala ba Ka da keta, gonar maye rua Ka-ke-yi.
68. Ai Hausa ba dabo ba che.
69. Baban kai ba kaya ba ne.
70. Namiji tankwa ne, sai antamna akan-san mai-yaji.
71. Haba yi hankali, ai ba dukan tafasa ta ke nuna da naman kai ba.
72. Tuo na iyali, nama na mai-gida.
73. Kad alura ta tono galma.
74. Sankara bata gorla.
75. Gorla mai-tankwa sankara ba ta chi ba.
76. Uwar dla da dla tata, du' ka san ba ka gama su ka aure ba.
77. Shi wanda ke jiran kabaki baba, ka san ba ya tsaya jira ta da lomajba.
67. Allah, You have no evil, You make the rain to fall even on the
wizard's garden.
68. Oh, no, Hausa is not a conjuring trick (it is easy to learn).
69. A big head is not a big load (a conceited man not necessarily
a wealthy one).
70. A man is like a pepper, till you have chewed it, you do not know
how hot it is.
71. Come, be patient, not all the boiling will cook the meat on a head.
72. The 'tuo ' (food made of grain) is for the household, the meat (a greate
delicacy) is for the master of the house.
73. Do not let a needle turn up a hoe (a mountain out of a mole-hill).
74. The ' sankara ' insect spoils the big kola nut.
75. The big kola nut, sprinkled with ground pepper, the 'sankara' ins
does not eat.
76. The girl's mother, and her daughter, both you know you cannc
join together and marry.
77. He who is waiting for a huge helping, you have known is not goinj
to stand and wait for a handful.
268 PROVERBS
78. Aja mu akai mu, anba uwar makafo kashi.
79. Mazo gaba ya yi ko, na baya sai labari.
80. Kututure dabino ba kamar kututure kirya ba.
81. Farfaru likafu ko afada, sai yan sarki.
82. Komi chau tafarnua, ba ta yi kamar albasa ba.
83. Matanbayi ba shi rasa huja ba, sai ya ki jin abinda ka nuna mai.
84. Me kare goma ke yi da kura ?
85. Wanda bai bata dare ba, bai abata da rana ba.
86. Bakin bunu bata baibaia.
87. Rugurugu baban dafua.
78. Let them pull me, let them take me there, (that is what) the
blind man (says) when (he hears) his mother is being beaten.
79. The one in front has reached there, the one behind only hears
about it.
80. The date-tree stump is not like the stump of the kirya-tree.
81. Silver stirrups even (when you see them) at the chief's court-
yard, it is the chief's son who has them. (There are plenty of rich
and powerful people about, but none of them have the privilege of
having silver stirrups.)
82. However fine the garlic may be, it is never like the onion.
83. The questioner does not inquire without good cause unless he
refuses to hear what you tell him.
84. What can ten dogs do with a hyena ?
85. He who does not get lost by night, will not get lost by day.
86. Old grass spoils a roof.
87. Thunder is a mighty (pot) boiling.
270 PROVERBS
88. Mu kwankwanbishi ne ba yada gatari.
89. Mai-shanyayen gindi ke da kwatana tasa bsbu mai-kwache masa.
90. Mun san juna, kai mu ya yi dai dai.
91. Mahasada ku bar gajia, yaro ya getere.
92. Tabarman kashi, madajin karfe, machi awazain kato.
93. Klfin fadama ba shi gasa da na gulbi.
94. Wane ya haye tudu ya bar na gangare sai leke.
95. Idan kun so mun yi ko, idan ba ku so ba mun yi ko sarautar ala ta issa.
96. Tudun mahasada abi shi da sunan Ala.
97. Fada ma kia, Ala ya fi su.
98. 17 Wiar nika pashi, idan anpasa wlar nika ta kare.
88. We are (like) the little biting ants (on trees) that (when you go to
cut a tree down fall on you) and make you throw away the axe.
89. No one can pull off the girdle from another, even if he has no
buttocks. (One has a right to what is one's own.)
90. We know one another, our heads have made one.
91. Slanderer, cease tiring yourself out, the boy has crossed (i.e. I am
beyond your reach and power now).
92. A mat made of bones, edged with metal, is the thing to eat into the
shoulders of even a huge man.
93. The fish from the well does not make itself the equal of that from
the river.
94. So-and-so has climbed the hill and left the one on the slope peering
up at him.
95. If you wished us to prosper, even so we have prospered, if you'dk
not wish it, even so we have prospered, the kingdom of Allah has beer
sufficient (for us).
96. The hill of the slanderer, (when you take that way) follow it wit
the name of Allah (on your lips).
97. Say to them who hate you, Allah is more powerful than they.
98. The hard part of grinding is the first grinding, when that is don<
the rest is easy.
r » - !• * r
MCi/irr\a^1-
272 PROVERBS
99. Daga kan fako koma kan dabe.
100. lyaka kurji, iyaka ruansa.
101. Kai ba shi wuche wla, wia kua ba shi wuchi kai.
102. Idan da kamar nika, kwado ya fi kusa da kasa
103. Tsanin tsani ke nan kuwar kuwa.
104. Duba shi, shi-na-sumumu kamar tusa achikin gora.
105. Idan klfi ya fito rua, ya che, idanun kada guda ne wa ke musu ?
106. Wane mai-karanglar hanu ne.
107. Yau wane ya fada fako.
1 08. Garwashin wane ya hababaka.
109. Wane daga tafo na tafo shii zama zumunta ?
99. From a hard bare piece of ground, to come to a hard beaten
floor (six and half a dozen).
100. The limit of a sore is the limit to which the matter from the sore
spreads.
101. The head does not go on and leave the neck behind, nor the
neck the head.
1 02. If it was a matter of grinding grain (between two stones) the
frog should be the best at it, it is so close to the ground (but it is not).
103. A ladder above a ladder, a friend's friend.
104. Look at him, he is as sulky as a ' tusa ' circulating round
a calabash.
105. If the fish comes out of the water, and says the eyes of the
crocodile are one in number, who is going to argue with him ?
106. So-and-so is like the 'karangiar' thorn (he clutches hold
everything).
107. To-day So-and-so has fallen on a hard place. (Met with a greed)
person.)
1 08. So-and-so's cinders are flaring up. (He is in a rage.)
109. So-and-so has come (from far away), I have come (we have met)
does that make us relations ?
«»*
» »
1425.2
274 PROVERBS
1 10. Mai-kaza ba shi jimrim as !
in. Ala shi sa akwia ta sha kunu sanbiru.
112. Ala shi tsarimu da mai-kai-komo.
113. Da wla ni kidan ganga da lauje.
1 14. Idan ka ji ganga ta-na-zaki, ta kusa pashewa.
115. Bako ba bawa ba sai ya so.
1 1 6. Chin bashi da dadi, ranan bia da wla.
117. Abu ne mutun, idan ba ka da abu, babu mai-so ka.
1 1 8. Inuan bagarua, ga sainyi, ga kaya.
119. Talaka ba shi aboki.
1 20. Me gara ka yi da dutsi sai ta kwana gewaya ?
no. The owner of a fowl is sure to be angry with any one
who says shu ! (though it may not be his fowl that is being
chased).
in. Allah causes the goat to drink the ' sanbiru ' (poison) pap.
112. Allah protect us from the tell-tale.
113. It is difficult to beat a drum with a sickle.
114. If you hear the drum sounds sweet, (you can be sure)
it is near to the time it will split.
1 15. A stranger is not a slave, unless he voluntarily becomes
one.
1 1 6. To borrow is sweet (easy), the day of payment is hard.
117. Things (wealth) is the man (so it seems) ; if you have
nothing no one loves you.
1 1 8. Shade of the 'bagarua' tree, behold coolness, behold
thorns.
1 19. A poor man has no friend.
1 20. What has the ant to do with a stone (it cannot eat it)
(they) it can only lie round it ?
276 PROVERBS
121. Maganin komi Ala.
122. Abu duka shi-na ga wa? Shi-na ga Ala.
123. Ba reshi ga Ala.
124. 18Dakin kasa da kasa, gobara tai kumya.
125. Ba aure ke da wia ba, bidan kurdi.
126. Ai sama ba ta komo kasa harabadi, tudu ba shi komowa gangare.
127. Dutsi ba shi zama rua.
128. Akwia ba ta gasa da kura.
129. Bawa ba shi gasa da yaya.
130. Bawan 19Maku dai dai da Maku.
131. Idan sarki ya che, kowa shi yi kuka shi chika masaki
da hawaye, kai mai-idanu guda dai, fara tun dawuri.
121. Allah is the cure for all (ills).
122. To whom does everything belong? to Allah.
123. There is no not getting a thing if you seek it from Allah.
124. A house of nothing but mud, the conflagration (turns away) in
shame.
125. It is not the act of marrying that is difficult, it is getting the
money (to marry).
126. No, the heavens do not ever come down to the earth, the hills do
not come down to the valleys.
127. A stone does not become water.
1 28. A goat does not make itself the equal of the hyena.
129. A slave does not make himself the equal of a free man.
130. The slave of Maku is one with Maku.
131. If the chief commands that every one is to weep and fill
a calabash with tears, do you, who have only one eye, begin from the
very first.
278 PROVERBS
132. Rabon kunkuru ba shi chikin wuta.
133. Kurtun zuma, gama da madachi.
20Tamat.
132. The share of the turtle is not found in the fire.
133. A pot of honey mixed with bitter herbs.
Finis.
o
*•
NOTES
PART I. HISTORICAL
No. i
1 Bismi alahi Arabic ; a common opening. Used in manu-
scripts even where the remainder of the text may be in Hausa. Note the
alif da tabi ()) in alahi and alrahmani, &c., which causes these words
to be pronounced 'laht, 'rahmani, &c.
2 Karlowa. The termination of the verb (or, as here, the verbal
noun) in o signifies motion towards or advantage to the subject. Tafi
means 'to go', but tafo means 'to come' to the speaker, and is
equivalent to zo.
3 Mai-chdu. Also written and pronounced mai-kyeau • better thus.
4 Barebari. The name for the inhabitants of the country round
Lake Chad, the Bornu people. Their taftoo marks are easily recog-
nizable. One, or sometimes two, lines down the forehead and along
the bridge of the nose, seven longitudinal cuts on the right cheek, six
on the left. Three on the upper and fore-arm, three on each side of
the body. Three on the thighs, legs, and instep. These people are
also sometimes known as Kukawa.
6 Arewawa. Lit. 'the northerners'; wa termination denoting
'people', 'nation'. Hausawa, Turdwa, Tonawa.
6 Barno. The district of Bornu, bordering on Lake Chad.
7 Dokin nan. Here we have the first example in this book of the
Hausa definite article. Canon Robinson in his Hausa Grammar,
chap, i, p. 9 (new edition), states, ' There is no article in Hausa.'
One has here an instance of the value of a thorough acquaintance
with Hausa in the written characters. In colloquial Hausa it would
be impossible, or at least very difficult, to detect the presence of the
final (^) nun, or (J) ra, which is undoubtedly the equivalent of the
English definite article. A double wasali or double rufua sometimes
takes the place of the nun.
282 NOTES
The definite article in Hausa is rendered by affixing n or r to the
noun, according to the gender, masculine or feminine.
It is often replaced by the demonstrative adjective (here curiously
enough it is found coupled with it).
Sometimes again it will be omitted in Hausa where one would
expect to find it in English. This may be due to carelessness in
writing or to a certain laxness in the use of it in Hausa. The writer
believes the honour of first finding the long-lost definite article belongs
to Professor Mischlich, who in the course of a conversation with the
writer in 1908 stated he had come across it. Professor Mischlich,
however, did not inform him what form it took in Hausa, and it was
not till some months later that a careful perusal of Hausa manuscripts
revealed it to the present writer.
8 Aka-boye. Passive voice past tense (ka). Note the object of the
verb, shi. The pronoun is in the objective case governed by the
verb. Here, which is rarely the case in Hausa, the verb is a true verb
and governs a pronoun in the accusative, instead of being qualified
by a possessive adjective, or in other words not being a verb at all,
but at best a verbal noun. So much of a noun often that it has
a gender. This is seen in the passive voice in the present tense.
Here the verb seems to lose any true verbal form it ever possessed,
and becomes a noun, the na alone retaining the function of a verb.
E. g. ana-boye-n-sa, lit. ' There is (ana) a hiding (bqye) of (na or «)
him (so).' Here boye is a masculine noun as is seen by the na.
9 Sarkin. Definite article, 'the chief. Vide note above on
dokin nan.
10 Dinga, 'to do anything repeatedly.' Also expressed by kan.
The latter perhaps expresses the idea more. 'To be accustomed'
to do a thing.
11 Tasa. The so-called Hausa ' possessive pronoun ' always appears
to present some difficulty to students. This difficulty will disappear
if one realizes that there is no exact equivalent in Hausa of the
English possessive pronoun.
In Hausa the possessive pronoun is simply the personal pronoun
(inflected for gender as in English) and a connective particle (one can
hardly term it a preposition as it has an inflexion for gender) which
can be readily translated by the English 'of.
Thus in English where we say 'mine', 'thine', 'his', in Hausa
they say ' of me ', ' of thou ', ' of him '.
PART I. HISTORICAL 283
The only thing to remember is that the particle corresponding to
'of in English must in Hausa agree with its antecedent noun in
gender. Once remember this and the rest is easy.
In English we say 'his mare'. In Hausa they say 'the mare
of him'.
Now ' mare ', or rather the word for mare, is feminine in Hausa,
therefore the connective particle 'of must be feminine too. Hence
we have
godla, fern, noun;
/a, ' of, fern, agreeing with godia]
sa, ' him ', masc. pronoun as in English.
Note the ist person sing, has the peculiar form wa, and the form
sa is generally used instead of shz.
12 Ranan, 'one day'. Note the vowel lengths in the following
words : oi j , rand, ' the sun ' ;
\J>K, raand, ' the day ' as opposed to ' the night '.
13 Baye. Used of horses only ; of persons, tdra, chi, &c. ; of cattle,
goats, barbara.
14 Sarkt. One would expect the definite article, sarkin, omitted
in the Hausa.
16 Rigayi. To do anything previously, first, before another person.
18 Aka-gani. The verb governs kowa, the object, which here
precedes the verb, in the accusative. Vide note above on * aka-bqye.
" Ranan. Vide note above on 12 ranan.
18 Akdwo. Vide note on *karbowa above.
19 Su-ka-wdtsu. Middle voice.
20 Tafo, ' come '. Vide note above on 2 karbawa.
21 Mutun blic. Note this idiom is as correct if not better Hausa
than mutdne blu.
22 Wafse, ' were scattered '. Cf. 19 wdtsu above.
23 Akdmo, ' seize and bring back to'. These two ideas are expressed
in one verb, the first by the verb itself, the second by the final o.
Vide note above on 2 karbowa.
24 Tafia iasa. For tasa vide note above on u tasa. Tafia here
a feminine verbal noun. Yi oryin is probably understood.
25 Ahawa. This should be hau, having a rufua lisa, not a wasalibisa.
26 Daura. An Emirate about 60 miles north of Kano and 40 east
of Katsina.
284 NOTES
27 Garin, ' the town '. Definite article seen in the final «.
28 Ta-na-sonsa. So here a noun. Vide note above on 8 aka-boye.
'nsa is for nasa, the former Katsina, the latter Kano Hausa.
29 Ydye, ' to wean '.
30 Mafarin fitar. Two verbal nouns, the first masc., the second
fern., as seen in the connective particles n and r.
31 Bar no, Bornu. Vide note above on 6J3arno.
32 Fasara. Arabic, 'interpretation', 'meaning'.
33 Maabochin — Mai-shi.
34 Rinjdya = Iko.
35 Abubakari-Sidiku. This name serves to show more or less exactly
when this history of the conversion of Hausaland to Mohammedanism
purports to begin, for it is undoubtedly that of the first of the four
Califs or Halifs. Abubakari-Sidiku ('the father of the maiden', as
the Arabic word means) was the father otAishatu, one of Mohammed's
wives. His successors, also mentioned in this history, were Omar,
Osman, and Alt, here called Umaru, Usmanu, and Aliu.
How long previous to this the supposed flight of the son of the
king of Bornu, and the founding of the Hausa race took place, it
is of course impossible to say. In this history we have undoubtedly
historical facts interwoven with mythology, as is common in most
histories or traditions of barbaric and savage peoples; nor are the
historical facts of less value, or to be rejected, because the historian
has sought to fill up the gaps he finds in authentic records, by
resorting to his own imagination or to myths and traditions common
among his people.
36 Wanchananka. Wanchan, wanchana, and 'nka = naka, lit. ' that
person of yours I have told you about '. Plural wanchananku.
37 Mazdwan tawaye. Mazdwa = maabocht = mai-shi. Tawaye,
' twins ', a way of saying ' the father of the twins '. The writer does not
know to whom this refers.
38 Umaru Ibunuhutdbi. Omar, the second of the four Califs. Vide
note above on ™ Abubakari-Sidiku.
39 Sahabai. Arabic, ' friends '.
40 Kasausawa = Mashi.
41 Garkua. Generic name for all shields. Kunkele, 'a round
shield', kwangwara, 'oval', the latter introduced from Asben into
Hausaland.
42 Fular sarauia. A red fez ; a turban is bound round it.
PART I. HISTORICAL 285
43 Kasanashe. Sanashe, ' to instruct '. A'a, meaning and use here
obscure. One would expect the personal pronoun ya before the verb.
Ka may stand for kan or be an unusual use of the ka of the past
tense, plural. Probably though an error in the script.
44 Sdbunta, ' to establish ' or 'confirm ', here, his right to the kingship.
45 Maiukan. Maluka — iydka.
40 Shigifu. Singular shigifa, the flat roof of a house.
47 Muldnen. Perhaps for mutun.
48 Garin. Note the definite article.
49 Kali, north-east of Kano.
50 Mainamugabadi. Maina = sarki in the language of Bornu.
61 Alfahari. Arabic, ' boasting '.
62 Alkunia. A sobriquet.
53 Suna. Note the short u. Suna is a different word.
54 Fa che. Translate by, ' only that ... not '.
55 Kachia. Of a woman, better maskasche. For a description of
these operations vide nos. 37, 38, and pp. 258-63.
56 Gila. Also zamba. To kill a man from behind. Punishable
by death in the Mohammedan law.
57 Yankake. Past part, passive, fromyan&a.
68 Sashe, 'cast out', perhaps from sa. Cf.fadade from f adz, ' to fall '.
59 Sanania. As above, yankake. The participle is here feminine
to agree with kushewa. Masculine form is sanane.
60 Mai-kalgo. A kalgo-tree (Bauhinia reticulata) grows on the
grave, which is thus known as ' the Kalgo man's grave '.
This tree has aromatic leaves. These leaves, when they first open,
are semicircular in shape, but later on one side of the leaf folds back,
when the whole leaf becomes a circle. A decoction is made from the
leaves and used as a cough medicine.
61 Gwoboron du/si, ' the single rock '. A hill near Kano.
62 Usmanu dan Fodio. The Fulani conqueror of Hausaland.
63 Sasan. Sasan = wajen.
64 Gobir. A district in Hausaland. The chief town in it was
Alkalawa, from which Shefu drove out the king of Gobir.
65 Kinkumu. Used of lifting a very heavy load with great difficulty.
66 Dawama. Dawama = tabata, Arabic.
67 Bbka. A wizard, a quack doctor. The word is used by a
mdlam to describe any person, not a recognized mdlam, who practises
medicine.
286 NOTES
88 Kidayuwa. The termination tava signifies ' able to be done '.
Some other examples are iyuwa,fonaua, geteruwa.
69 Marddi. A town on the borders of Hausaland and the French
Soudan.
70 Bida. Arabic. Certain prohibited conduct, e.g. drinking, card-
playing.
71 Bdwa-jan-gwarzd. The opposite of rago. A brave man, warrior.
72 Takaita. To stop doing any work before you have quite
finished it.
PART II. STORIES ABOUT PEOPLE
No. i
1 Bismi alahi.... Note the alif da tabi ()) in alahi, alrahmani,
alrahimi, alahu, causing these words to be pronounced 'lahi, 'rahmani,
'rahtmt, 'lahu.
2 Bdbi. Bali, Arabic, lit. ' gateway '. Here metaphorically, ' the
entrance ', ' the commencement of the story '.
3 Gdtanan, gdtanan, ta je, ta komo. ' A story, a story. Let it go,
let it come.' Gdtanan is used for ' story ', as tdtsuma, but is really
not a noun but a sentence. Gd ta nan, i. e. ' See it there ', ta being
feminine to agree probably with the noun tdsturiiar. A story-teller
always commences thus, his hearers replying Ta je, ta komo, ' Let
it (the story) go, let it come (to us)'; the o form, motion to the
speaker. Vide note on 2 karbowa (Part I).
The form tajet ta komo is sometimes varied to taje ta dawo.
4 Maatansa. Mistake for maatarsa. Note the following words
differently spelt, differently pronounced, and with different meanings :
1. Maata, liU«, 'a wife', sing.
2. Mdta, 5Li, 'wives', plur.
3. Mdtd, \3\Jo, 'women', plur. of mache.
6 Bai zaka ba. Zaka here equal to zo. Not to be confused with
zaa ka, future, ' above '.
PART II. STORIES ABOUT PEOPLE 287
8 Maatar, ' the wife'. Note the definite article. Vide note on
7 ddkin nan (Part I. Historical).
7 Galddiman. Note the wasali lisa btu, giving the nasal ending in
place of a ((j) nun.
8 Baubawa. Used of a foreigner who does not speak Hausa
properly ; possibly an onomatopoetic word.
9 Galddiman. Vide note above on galddiman. Here the nasal
ending is the definite article.
10 Gado. Note the two words differing only in the length of the
vowel sounds, but with totally different meanings :
gado, »&9, 'a bed'.
gado, olj, 'inheritance'.
11 Galadiman. The galadima. Definite article.
12 Zamne. Present participle. The author of Hausa Notes thinks
there is no present participle in Hausa (vide p. 56, chap, xvi, Hausa
Notes), but we have here an example of it. Zamne is from the verb
zamna. The past participle is, masc. zamnane, fem. zamnam'a, plur.
zamnanu. Cf. * tsugune (No. 21, Part II).
13 Yd zo. Perfect (or aorist) tense.
Previous writers on the Hausa language appear either to have
overlooked the fact that the Hausa verb has a distinct form for the
perfect and past tenses in the singular as it has for these tenses in the
plural, or to have come to the conclusion that there is no inflexion
of the pronoun for the first three persons of the singular in the past tense
(Hausa Notes, p. 38, chap. x).
The present writer is convinced that distinct forms do exist for the
singular as for the plural in the past and aorist tenses. This distinction
is seen in the length of the vowels.
The full forms for the aorist and past tenses are as follows :
288
NOTES
Perfect or Aorist.
Past.
In English writing.
In Hausa
characters.
In English writing.
In Hausa
characters.
Singular,
ist person. Nd
2nd „ Ka (fem. kin)
3rd „ Yd (fem. /a)
Plural,
ist person. Mun
Na
Ka (fem. ki)
Ya (fem. to}
Mu ka
Kuka
Suka
It is seen that in the plural the well-known forms mun, kun, sun ;
mu ka, ku ka, su ka, for the perfect and past tenses are found, but
that in the singular number the only difference is in the length of
the vowel a, which is short in all the persons of the past tense, but
long in the corresponding persons of the perfect.
That such (to the English idea) apparent slight variation should
be sufficient to alter the tense of a verb is not surprising when one
conies to understand the great influence of lengths of vowels in Hausa,
for the entire meaning of a word can be altered by the omission or
addition of an accent on a vowel.
The present tense is too well known to require special remark. It
is worth while to note perhaps that in the present tense (ina, ka
na, &c. and ni ke, ka ke, &c.) the pronouns are real pronouns and do
not suffer any inflexion.
In the use of the past and aorist tenses one should note that, except
in certain well-defined instances, the use of the past for the aorist and
vice versa seems permissible, or at least they would often appear to
be interchangeable. In cases where one finds a past where an aorist
PART II. STORIES ABOUT PEOPLE 289
would have been expected in written Hausa, the fault probably lies
in the writing.
Some examples are now given to show how these tenses (the past
and aorist) are used. In the instances the plural forms which are in
these tenses impossible of confusion are given, and then the corre-
sponding tense in the singular.
Kun gama aikin ? Have you (plur.) finished the work ?
Kd gama aikin ? Have you (sing.) finished the work ?
Mun gama. We have finished.
Nd gama. I have finished.
A. Tun ku na samari na yi muku alheri, ama ku ka yi mini
mund futshi.
Here both the verbs na yi and ku kayi are past tense.
If made perfect the sentence would read
B. Tun ku na samari ndyi . . . kunyi . . .
The meaning is only slightly different ; the point to notice is that
na yi in A is not the same tense as nd yi in B.
Da mu ka tafi , . . When we went . . . (past tense).
Da na tafi . . . When I went ... „ „
Mun diba rua, mun kdwo chidwa, mun zo wurinka domin . . .
Nd diba rua, nd kdwo chidwa, nd zo wurinka domin . . .
Here the verbs are aorist tense.
We have seen the two distinct verbal pronominal forms, the long d
for the aorist, the short a for the past. There is still a third vowel
sound for the future singular. In this the a is not so much a long a,
as most writers seem to have rendered it, as a double a sound — two
distinct as — and it is thus the sound has been written in this work.
This is more akin to the Hausa than its transliteration by d. In the
plural the writer has repeatedly found this reduplication of the last
vowel (in the plural a u not an a), and has not met with the mua,
kua, &c., which are generally given. This tense therefore stands :
290
NOTES
Future Tense.
In English writing.
Singular,
ist person. Naa
2nd „ Kaa (fern, kit or kya)
3rd „ Yaa* (fem. faa)
Plural.
ist person. Muu
In Hausa characters.
The other form of the future the writer also prefers to transliterate
zaa ni, zaa ka, &c. instead of the usual za m, za ka, &c.
14 Ke wacheche anan. Imitating the bad grammar the slave spoke.
16 Ki. As above ; for ka.
16 Shi-na-kunche. Kunche, pronounce kwanche.
17 Gaza. Gaza as kdsa, ' to take no notice '.
18 Mdtasa. Should be maata tasa.
19 Keya dulin . . . kin lena Duma. The bad grammar is to imitate
the slave's speech as above.
20 Maida magana. ' To state a case ' (in Court).
21 Kungurus kan kusu. Kungurus, an onomatopoetic word sup-
posed to represent the sound of an object falling on the ground (here
a rat's head). All Hausa tales end thus. The meaning seems to
be that the story is ended, the rat's head is off, that is the end of him.
Sometimes the phrase is enlarged on by the story-teller saying, ' The
rat will not eat my head, rather shall I eat his head, the son of a
worthless fellow.'
* Sometimes shii.
PART II. STORIES ABOUT PEOPLE 291
No. 2
1 Gdtanan, gdtanan. Vide note on ^ gdtanan (No. i, Part II).
2 Machen, 'the female'. Note the definite article; vide note on
7 ddkin nan (Part I). Matche appears to be treated as masculine.
3 Baban wansu. Wa = elder brother ; kane = younger brother.
The fern, of these being ya and kanwa respectively.
4 Ta batche. Ta, aorist tense. Vide note on 13_yd zo (No. i, Part II).
5 Unguan. Ungua, a small hamlet composed of only one or
two huts.
6 Shiije. Future tense. Oratio recta would be naaje. Vide note
on ™yd zo (No. i, Part II).
7 Daure. Present participle. More correct daurania, the perfect
participle.
8 Mddugun, Note the definite article.
9 Bigire. Wuri.
10 Sa . . . zane. Sa zane, a euphemistic phrase for consummating
a marriage.
11 Uba ya komd. Fa, and following verbs aorist tense. Vide note
on lzya zo (No. i, Part II).
Komd here equal to zama, ' to become ', ' turn out to be '.
12 Ta-na-kunche. Pronounce kwanche.
13 Jdrtriya. Feminine. Masculine, jarlri. .
14 Uban, ' the father '. Note the definite article.
15 Bakd. Here fern., generally masc.
16 Yan uba. The children of one father by different mothers ; half-
brothers and sisters.
17 Kungurus kan kusu. Vide note on 21 kungurus (No. i, Part II).
No. 3
1 Gdtanan. Vide note on * gdtanan (No. i, Part II).
2 Ya sa . . . ya gam'. Note aorist tense. Vide note on ™yd zo
(No. i, Part II).
3 Kaa gam'. Vide future tense note on ls_yd zo (No. i, Part II).
4 Sat yard ya . . . ta ... ta . . . sat ya halbe ta. Note all the verbs
past tense. Vide note on 13j/a zo (No. i, Part II).
5 Tsara. Perhaps for tsakar.
6 Kungurus. Vide note on 21 kungurus (No. i, Part II).
T 2
292 NOTES
No. 4
1 Goya. An alliance generally for some work such as hoeing,
gathering grass for roofing, &c.
Derivation probably gaya, ' to tell ', ' to inform '. Goya wane da
wane, ' tell so and so and so and so that.'
2 Gdtanan. Vide note on 8 gdtanan (No. i, Part II).
3 Shi-ka-aure. Perhaps for shi ke aure.
* Maald, 'a wife'. Vide note on *maalansa (No. i, Part II).
5 Kunya, ' a furrow '.
6 Gumkt. Pronounce gwamki. Here evidently from the context
' a hartebeest ', not gumki, ' a fetish '.
7 Tanpasua. As alura, ' a needle '.
8 Kungurus. Vide note on zlkungurus (No. i, Part II).
No. 5
1 Shasharbo. An onomatopoetic word, the sound of a stick
beating an object, sharb ! sharb /
2 Mdtansa. Vide note on * maatansa (No. i, Part II).
3 Sai ta dauki . . . la je, ta . . . ta. Note all these verbs past tense.
Vide note on ™yd zo (No. i, Part II).
* Su-ka-chi. Note the past tense as continued from the preceding
sentence.
6 Ta je, ta . . . ta . . . As above, vide note on 3 sat ta dauki.
6 Taiga. To stir with the murchia, of a fluid ; of a thicker sub-
stance, tuka.
7 Farutanka. Sing, farehe, of persons only. Of animals, cat
tribe, akai/a, kumba ; of cattle, horses, &c., kofato.
8 Zaa ni. Vide note on future tense under "_>•« zo (No. i , Part II).
9 Walki. A skin loin-cloth.
10 Nd tsoma, 'I have put in'. Here na homa would be quite
wrong and would never be used by a Hausa. Vide note on l*yd zo
(No. i, Part II).
11 Kai ka ji da abinfadi. Ka should be future. This sentence
is peculiar and difficult to translate in English. It seems to mean
< you will regret this ', ' I shall pay you back for this '.
12 Kyale. Spelt Me, but pronounced kyale.
PART II. STORIES ABOUT PEOPLE 293
13 Mara. A broken bit of calabash used as a spoon to serve out
food from a pot. Roughly shaped round.
14 Sannu. Note this is one of the few words in Hausa spelt with
a double consonant. The effect is to make each syllable pronounced
distinctly san-nu.
15 In gwiya. Better in gwaiya. In answer to the salutation sannu
(Sokoto Hausa).
16 Maatar nan. Cf. 7 dokin nan (No. i, Part I).
17 Shibshibto. Shibto = debo, ' to serve ', ' to help food '.
18 Tuka. Vide note above on 6 taiga.
19 Ta dauko, ta . . . ta . . . ta . . ., su-ka-koshi. Note the past tense
throughout ; ta aorist would be quite wrong here. Vide note I9_yd zo
(No. i, Part II).
20 Maatar. Note the definite article.
21 Rufewa. A storehouse for corn, &c. Also rumbu and runbu.
22 Matan. Plural. Vide note on * maatansa (No. i, Part II).
28 Abuya. Feminine of aboki. Abuya — kawa.
24 No. tuba, 'I have repented'. Note long a. Aorist tense na
tuba would be quite incorrect here.
25 Taje...ta...ta...ta che. Note the past tense.
26 Ka gam', na sdmu. Aorist tense.
27 Kunche. Pronounce kwanche.
28 Kunta. Pronounce kwanta.
29 Kungurus. Vide note on 21 kungurus (No. i, Part II).
No. 6
1 Gatanan. Vide note on *gdtanan (No. i, Part II).
2 Naa mulu. Vide note on future tense under I5jyd zo (No. i, Part II).
3 Ka mutu. Aorist tense. Vide note on ls_yd zo (No. i, Part II).
4 Kiira, ' the hyena ', feminine. Jfure, masculine. The personifica-
tion in Hausa folk-lore of all that is greedy and treacherous. Quite
a different character from that ascribed to the gizd gizo for instance,
whose cunning and plausibility are rather admired than otherwise.
Chin kura, ' to eat as a hyena ', that is, to charge exorbitant prices or
interest.
5 Chinto. Also tsintua.
6 Sdnia. Note spelt (in error ?) chania throughout.
7 Kafahu. Plural. Sing. kafa. Note kafo, kafoni, ' horn '.
294 NOTES
8 Watanda. Yi watanda, ' to buy food on credit ', more especially
of meat. When an ox is killed the meat is divided up, and people are
allowed to buy on credit.
9 Kabarin. Arabic. Hausa is kushewa.
10 Kafa. Kofa.
11 Dawo. Also Fura (Kano), made with maize or guinea-corn.
12 Asha, Note also exclamation ashe ! ' indeed ! ' a different word.
13 Iddnu gudd. Cf. expression mutun btu. Here perhaps the idea
is ' eyes, one in number '.
14 Naman. Note the definite article. Vide note on 7 dokin nan
(No. i, Part I).
15 Ka tafia(r}ka. Cf. u tafia tasa (No. i, Part I).
16 Su-na-duka. Note length of vowel, duka, ' to beat ' ; duka, ' all ',
a different word.
17 Sdmo, ' find and bring back '. Both these ideas expressed in the
one Hausa word. Vide note on *karbozva (No. i, Part I).
18 Ya sdmu . , . ya kdwo. Su-ka . . . Note the past tense in the
verb throughout. Vide note on ™yd zo (No. i, Part II).
19 Ndman. Definite article.
20 Galabaita, ' to become insensible '.
21 Shi-na-kira. Note kira, ' to call ' ; kira, ' to forge '.
22 Danfara, ' to plaster ', ' to stick on '.
23 Kyale. Spelt keif.
24 Rdgada, ' to work up and down '.
25 Gizo gizo, ' the spider ', also called lau tau. The spider is the
hero of many Hausa animal stories. The same is the case among
the Ashanti. In fact the Ashanti name for a story, even when the
spider does not appear in the narrative at all, is anansesem, \. e. ananse
asem, lit. 'words about the spider'. The Hausas call the praying
mantis the spider's wife (koki).
The character given to the spider in West African fables is not
unlike that ascribed to the rabbit (kalulu) and the tortoise (kamba)
in the stories of the Bantu Mang'anja in British Central Africa
(Nyassaland). Vide also note above on 4 kura.
26 Kungurus. Vide note on 21 kungurus (No. i, Part II).
No. 7
1 Gdtanan. Vide note on *gdtanan (No. i, Part II).
2 Mdtansa. Vide note on 4 maatansa (No. i, Part II).
PART II. STORIES ABOUT PEOPLE 295
3 Nd bar. Aorist. Vide note on ™ya zo (No. i, Part II).
4 Kunche. Pronounce kwanche.
5 Klshia uwa tata. Lit. 'the hater of her mother', or 'the one
who was jealous of her mother'. This phrase has been translated
freely throughout by ' stepmother ' to avoid the clumsy Hausa idiom.
When a man has more than one wife, then each is called the kishiar
of the other, this even should they be the best of friends.
6 Ta tashi . . . ta ... ta ... la che. Note the past tense throughout.
Vide note on 13yd zo (No. i , Part II).
7 Uma. Arabic. Hausa uwa.
8 Daka. The process of pounding (in a wooden mortar with pestle,
just such as is used on the East Coast) is as follows :
The first pounding is called susuka (surfe). The corn is taken out
and winnowed (bakdche) and the husks thereby removed. The result
of this process is put in the mortar and pounded again (daka\ then
winnowed again (tankade). The grain is again put in the mortar and
pounded a little, water being sprinkled. This third pounding is called
ribidi. Next the grain is washed and rolled into balls (dunkula).
The balls are put in boiling water, boiled, taken out again, pounded
(kirbi), rolled into balls again (dunkula), and are ready for eating.
Chase is to pound rice.
9 Nasa. As jefa.
10 Tsinbire. To get burned by sticking to the pot.
11 Tsdme. To lift out with a spoon.
12 Sdsanwa. As girki, to set a pot on the three stones (murfu)
which form the fire-place. ' To take off the fire ', shide.
13 Jarabt. Arabic. Hausa duba.
14 Naa tafi. Vide note on future tense under ™ya zo (No. i, Part II).
15 Angarmu, ' a big horse '. A pony is kuru.
16 Kyale. Pronounced thus ; spelt kele.
17 Kashedi. An exclamation, ' Have a care ! '
18 Nasa. Better tasa. Vide note ntasa (No. i, Part I).
19 Kungurus. Vide note 21 kungurus (No. i, Part II).
No. 8
1 Maya, ' a witch '. Masc. maye ; plur. mqyu.
- Gatanan. Vide note on s gatanan (No. i, Part II).
3 Ta je. Past tense. Vide note on uyd zo (No. i, Part II).
296 NOTES
4 Wakatin. Arabic. Hausa lokachl.
6 Ya tdshi, ya . . . ya . . . ya ... Note past tense throughout.
Yd would here be quite incorrect.
6 Kunche. Pronounce kwanche.
7 Mazan. Note the definite article. Vide note on 7 dokin nan
(No. i, Part I).
8 Mdtan. Vide note on *maa/ansa (No. i, Part II), and for the
definite article vide note on 7 dokin nan (No. i, Part I).
s Ddkin. Definite article.
10 Yankaki, Perfect participle. Error foryankaku.
11 Zaa ta. For future tense vide note on lzjyd so (No. i, Part II).
12 Kyale. Spelt keif.
13 Magaria. The zizyphus lotus.
14 Naa. Vide note on future tense under I3yd zo (No. i, Part II).
15 Maraki. Better here maraka (fern.).
16 Muu rama. Vide note on the future tense under ™yd zo (No. i,
Part II).
17 Nd kdwo. Aorist tense. Vide note on ™yd zo (No. i, Part II).
18 Urna. Arabic. Hausa uwa.
19 La ila'. The complete sentence is La ilaha ila alahu, 'there
is no god but Allah '.
20 Hannu(n)ki. Note the double consonant «. Vide note on
usannu (No. 5, Part II).
21 Shu gani. Vide note on future tense under ™yd zo (No. i.
Part II).
22 Sasdre. Note the reduplication, not uncommon in Hausa. Cf.
the reduplication in Greek verb.
23 Ya tashi, su-ka-gudu. Note the past tense. Vide note on 18j/c zo
(No. i, Part II).
24 Ya che yd ydda. Here we have a good example of the past
tense ya, with the aorist yd. In oratio recta it would stand nd ydda.
One could use the past tense in both verbs here in Hausa, as in
English.
26 Dauko. The idea of ' lift ' and ' return with ' expressed by the
o termination. Vide note on ^karbowa (No. i, Part I).
26 Ya che, yaa koma. Here again we have an example side by side
of the two tenses, the past ya, the future yaa ; cf. note above ya che,
yd ydda. For both vide note on ™ya zo (No. i, Part II).
27 Tunka. Pronounce iankwa, as berkdno.
PART II. STORIES ABOUT PEOPLE 297
28 Kyaure, 'a wooden door'. A grass door, tufania; of iron,
gambo, in wall of a town.
29 Kuble, ' to close a door *.
30 Ya che yd ba shi . . . ya che yd baiwa. Vide note above on
z*ya che yd ydda.
31 Tsari, 'a protection', 'something to ward off'.
32 Kungurus, Vide note on 21 kungurus (No. i, Part II).
No. 9
1 Mdlami. Also mdlam ; plur. mdlamai. There would seem to be
a slight distinction in the use of the words mdlami and mdlam, the
former being used when speaking about the person or in his absence,
the latter in addressing him or using his name, e. g. Mdlam Manzo,
not mdlami Manzo. Derivation perhaps Arabic, mualami.
2 Kura, Vide note on 4 kura (No. 6, Part II).
3 Godiar, Note the definite article. Vide note on 7 dokin nan
(No. i, Part I).
4 Zaa ka. Vide note on I3jyd zo (No. i, Part II).
5 Asha. Vide note on ™asha (No. 6, Part II).
6 Nd gani. Vide note on lsyd zo (No. i, Part II).
7 Ta kdma, la ... ta ... ta . . . gida. Note the past tense. Vide
note on 13_y<z zo (No. i, Part II).
8 Karen buki. Also dtld, 'the jackal'. The personification of cunning.
9 .ZVa taso. Note aorist tense. Vide note on ™yd zo (No. i, Part II).
10 Karfl. Note the two different words kar/l, 'strength', and
karfe, ' metal '.
11 Kyale. Written kele.
12 Naa. Future tense. Vide note on future under ls_ya zo (No. i,
Part II).
13 Mamdya. Fern, to agree with sdnia.
14 Nd zo. As above, 9 nd taso.
15 La ila'. Vide note on 19 la tla' (No. 8, Part II).
16 Ndman, The definite article. Vide note on ' 'dokin nan (No. i,
Part I).
17 Ndji. Aorist naji would be quite incorrect here. Vide note on
I3j>d zo (No. i, Part II).
18 Tafianla. Better tafiarta. Vide note on * tafia tasa (No. i, Part I).
19 Kungurus. Vide note on 21 kungurus (No. i, Part II).
298 NOTES
No. 10
1 Garnakaki, As gwarzo, ' a very powerful man ', ' a warrior '.
2 Karfl. Vide note on lo karfi (No. 9, Part II).
8 Yafida. Ya past tense. Vide note on ™yd zo (No. i, Part II).
4 Maatansa. Better maatarsa. Vide note on ^maatansa (No. i,
Part II).
5 Ta-na-so(n)sa. Vide note on 8 aka-boye (No. i, Part I).
6 Aka-kdwo ski. Vide note on 8 aka-boye (No. i, Part I).
7 Naa. Future tense. Vide note on 13jyd zo (No. i, Part II).
8 Maatar nan. Note the definite article. Vide note on 9 do kin nan
(No. i, Part I).
9 Tanadi. Arabic. Hausa zanba.
10 Kungurus. Vide note on 21 kungurus (No. i, Part II).
No. ii
1 Yayi . . .ya . . .ya . . . Note the past tense throughout. Vide
note on is_ya zo (No. i, Part II).
2 Kori. Pronounce kwori.
3 Kungurus. Vide note on 21 kungurus (No. i, Part II).
No. 12
1 Gdtanan. Vide note on 3 gdtanan (No. i, Part II).
2 Yafilo. Past tense. Vide note on ™ya zo (No. i, Part II).
3 Maatarsa. Vide note on *maatansa (No. i, Part II).
4 Kaa. Future tense. Vide note under ls_yd zo (No. i, Part II).
5 Yd kdwo. Aorist tense. Vide 13_yd zo (No. i, Part II).
6 Maatar. Note the definite article. Vide note on 7 do 'kin nan
(No. i, Part I).
7 Ka. Aorist. Vide note above, *ya kdwo.
8 Wasaki. A skin gathered up all round the edge, forming a bag
Also guga, but latter rather of a calabash.
9 Ydron, Note the definite article.
10 Zannuansu. Note double consonant n. Vide note 14 sannii (No. 5,
Part II). Found also spelt with one n, but better two.
11 Rigdye. Vide note on ls rigdyi (No. i, Part I).
12 Ya che yaa je. Vide note on the past and future tenses under
13 yd zo (No. i, Part II).
PART II. STORIES ABOUT PEOPLE 299
13 Rufewa. Vide note on n ru/ewa (No. 5, Part II).
14 Yd. Aorist tense.
15 Ina-jt(n}-warin mutun. Cf. ' Jack and the Bean-stalk ' of our
own folk-lore.
16 Daa. Note the following words, daa . . . daa, in the protasis
and apodosis of a conditional sentence. Da (short a) when and with
da, ( a son '.
17 Sasabe. The first clearing of the ' bush ' for a garden.
18 Fuda. Of ploughing with a galma. Noma used when a hauya
is employed.
19 Takuna. Error for tukuna.
20 Kaso. From kashe. Here the idea contained in the verb with
the o termination is ' kill and bring back '. Vide note on 2 karbowa
(No. i, Part I).
21 Hannunsa. Vide note on 14 sannu (No. 5, Part II).
22 Dinga ragdwa. Ragdwa, derivation rege, ' to diminish '. Trans-
late ' make light of it ', ' do not make a fuss of it '.
23 Karfl. Vide note on 10 karfl (No. 9, Part II).
24 Kd gam'. Aorist tense. Ka would not be correct here.
25 Kungurus. Vide note on 21 kungurus (No. i, Part II).
No. 13
1 Gdtanan. Vide note on s gdtanan (No. i, Part II).
2 Ya mutu. Past tense. Vide note on lzyd zo (No. i, Part II).
3 Too. mutu. Future tense. Vide note under I3j>a zo (No. i , Part II).
4 Klshia. Vide note on 5kishia (No. 7, Part II).
5 Chiutar nan. Note the definite article. Vide note on ^ do kin nan
(No. i, Part I).
6 Yd karbi. Aorist tense. Vide note on ™yd zo (No. i, Part II).
7 Nd bar. Vide note above, 6yd karbi.
8 Matsdfa. Cf. safe = turn.
9 Kun ka gani. Should be kun gam'.
10 Karfe. Vide note on ^ karfl (No. 9, Part II).
11 Kungurus. Vide note on 21 kungurus (No. i, Part II).
No. 14
1 Gdtanan. Vide note on 3 gdlanan (No. i, Part II).
2 Ya tdshi,ya koma. Past tense. Vide nqte on ™yd zo (No. i, Part II).
300
NOTES
3 Maatansa. Mistake for maatarsa. Vide note on * maatansa (No. i ,
Part II).
4 Gartn. Note the definite article. Vide note on 7 dokin nan (No. i,
Part I).
5 Naa ba. Future tense. Vide note on ™yd zo (No. i, Part II).
6 Yaa tafi. As above, 6 naa ba.
7 Tafiasa. For tafia(r)sa. Vide note on M /a/fo /aja (No. I, Part I).
8 Tatara. Reduplication of tara.
9 Kungurus. Vide note on n kungurus (No. i, Part II).
No. 15
1 .Fa /a/. Past tense. Vide note on 13_y<z zo (No. i, Part II).
2 Budurin. Note the definite article. Vide note on ' dokin nan
(No. i, Part I).
3 Yd far a. Aorist. Vide note on ™_yd zo (No. i, Part II).
4 Kd chika. As above.
5 Kungurus. Vide note on ^kungurus (No. i, Part II).
No. 16
1 Gdtanan.
2 jPJz haifu.
Vide note on 3 gdtanan (No. i, Part II).
Past tense. Vide note on I3_ya zo (No. i, Part II).
3 Ya bi ta kdfar, Cf. idiom, shiga ta kofa nan. The ta perhaps
is explained by the word hainya being understood before it.
4 Guda. Note the length of the vowel. Guda means the dot
below a letter, and number. Guda is a sound made on joyful
occasions. It is made by holding the nose and making a shrill cry,
rul ru! rul ru! Cf. the ntulungwani of the Mang'anja of Nyassaland,
who make this same sound, but by rubbing the lips with the finger.
5 Kungurus. Vide note on 21 kungurus (No. i, Part II).
No. 17
1 Daudawa. Seeds of the dorawa tree.
2 Gabu. Onion leaves dried and pounded (?).
3 Daudawar batso. Pounded seeds of \h&yakua tree.
4 Gdtanan. Vide note on 3gdianan (No. i, Part II).
6 Zaa su. Vide note on future tense under 13j/a zo (No. i, Part II).
6 Ta bi. Past tense. Vide note on lsyd zo (No. i, Part II).
PART II. STORIES ABOUT PEOPLE 301
7 Make, As labe, ' to slink ', ' sidle past '.
8 Kyale. Spelt keif.
9 Ndji. . . nd fi. Aorist tense. Vide note on ^yd zo (No. i, Part II).
10 Kudai. Better kadai, singular.
11 KiRshi. Note the long vowel. Kilishi is dried meat.
12 Koran fa. Vide note on 8 aka-boye (No. i , Part I)
13 Naa dinga. Vide note on future tense under ™yd zo (No. i , Part II).
14 Kuyanginta. Kuyanga, ' a girl slave ', masc. magudanchi.
15 Kungurus. Vide note on 21 kungurus (No. i, Part II).
No. 18
1 Musa. Hausa for ' Moses '.
2 Gdtanan. Vide note on zgatanan (No. i, Part II).
3 Fa haifi. Past tense. Vide note on 13_yd zo (No. i, Part II).
4 Wane wai ka zo. A Hausa will never call her husband by his
name nor talk about him by his name. He is usually spoken to and
of as mai-gida.
5 Naayi. Future tense. Vide note under 13_yii zo (No. i, Part II).
6 Kyale. Spelt kele.
7 Ruan. Note the definite article. Vide note on 7 do fan nan (No. i,
Part I).
8 Gaia. As kela, ( spiteful '.
9 Ruan. As above, definite article, ruan.
10 Nd ki. Aorist tense. Vide note on l*yd zo (No. i, Part II).
11 Yaa. Vide note on future tense under I3jyd zo (No. i, Part II).
12 Kungurus. Vide note on 21 kungurus (No. i, Part II).
No. 19
1 Ya ydda. Past tense. Vide note under I3yd zo (No. i, Part II).
2 Gasa, ' to roast '. Note the word gdsa ! an interjection of wonder.
3 Nd yas. Aorist tense. Vide note on Kyd zo (No. i, Part II).
4 Tafia(f]sa. Vide note on ™ tafia lasa (No. i, Part I).
5 Uwar gidansa. When a man has more than one wife the first
one he married is called uwar gida, ' mother of the house '.
6 Yd zo. Vide note above, 3 nd yas. Here ya zo would be quite
incorrect.
302 NOTES
7 Guda. Vide note on * guda (No. 16, Part II).
8 Su-ka-sasdre. Note reduplication of the verb.
9 Kuyangi. Vide note on 14 kuyanginla (No. 17, Part II).
10 Naa. Vide note on future tense under lsj>d zo (No. i, Part II).
11 Au . . . au. Unusual. Ko . . . ko generally used, ' either . . . or '.
12 Kungurus. Vide note on 21 kungurus (No. i, Part II).
No. 20
1 Ta haifi. Past tense. Vide note on Kyd zo (No. i, Part II).
2 Yd chainye. Aorist tense. Vide note on lzyd zo (No. i, Part II).
3 Yd komo. As above, zyd chainye.
4 Zaa ka chi. Vide note on future tense under ™yd zo (No. i,Part II).
5 Kungurus. Vide note on 21 kungurus (No. i, Part II).
No. 21
1 Lddi. Perhaps for Idhadi. So called because bom on a Sunday.
2 Mdtansa. Vide note on *maaiansa (No. i, Part II).
3 Td yi. Aorist tense. Vide note on 13_yd zo (No. i, Part II).
4 Bubuge. Note the reduplication of the verb.
5 Kyale. Spelt kele.
6 Tsugune. Present participle. Vide note on ™zamne(No. i, Part II).
7 Mdlam. Vide note on mdlami (No. 9, Part II).
8 Mdlam. Better mdlami.
9 Nd gaia. Aorist tense. Vide note onj/a zo (No. i, Part II).
10 Ashd. Note different from the word ashe, ' indeed ', ' truly '.
11 Ashe. Vide above, 10 ashd.
12 Ina-sonsa. Vide note on 8 aka-bdye (No. i, Part I).
13 Yaa. Vide note on future tense under ™yd zo (No. i, Part II).
14 Ana-guda. Vide note on *guda (No. 16, Part II).
15 Maatar. Note the definite article. Vide note on ' dokin nan
(No. i, Part I).
16 Kungurus. Vide note on 2l kungurus (No. i, Part II).
3°3
7
PART III. ANIMAL STORIES
No. 22
1 Gatanan. Vide note on 3 gdtanan (No. i, Part II).
2 Ya kashe. Past tense. Vide note on ™yd zo (No. i, Part II).
3 Ta-na-ganin. Note verbal noun. Vide note on * aka-boye (No. i,
Part I).
4 Kyale. Pronounce thus. Spelt kele.
6 Tafia tata. Vide note on 24 tafia tasa (No. i, Part I).
6 Kwdshi. As soma,fdra, ' to begin '.
Kura. Vide note on 4 kura (No. 6, Part II).
Kungurus. Vide note on 21 kungurus (No. i, Part II).
No. 23
1 .Fa j//'. Vide note on lsjyd zo (No. i, Part II).
2 Toshe = Rufe.
3 Kura. Vide note on * £«ra (No. 6, Part II).
4 Fdjimata . . . ^izt'a gat. Imitating the hyena's supposed bad
accent or lisp. Fatimata was the daughter of Mohammed.
5 Nd san ki. Aorist tense. Vide note on ™yd zo (No. i, Part II).
6 Ydmin bdki, ' a lisp '.
7 Aldgidigua. Also kwatana, 'waist beads'. Of a man, guru.
8 Su-ke-shan. Verbal noun, ska. Vide note on 8 aka-bqye (No. i,
Part I).
9 Zaa zu. Vide note on future tense under ™yd zo (No. i, Part II).
10 Yd kafe. Aorist tense. Vide note on 18j/<z zo (No. i, Part II).
11 Daa . . . daa. Vide note on 16 daa . . . daa (No. 1 2, Part II).
12 Bulbule. A pretty example of onomatopoeia.
13 Ribibi. As wasoso, ' to scramble '.
14 Ta kwdsa. A curious use of fa, the idiom, if one is not known
to the writer. Perhaps an error in the Hausa script.
15 Goya. Vide note on 1 gayd (No. 4, Part II).
16 Kungurus. Vide note on 21 kungurus (No. i, Part II).
3°4
NOTES
No. 24
1 Gdtanan. Vide note on 3 gdtanan (No. I, Part II).
2 Maatar. Vide note on ^maatansa (No. i, Part II).
3 Kura. Vide note on 4 kura (No. 6, Part II).
4 Ta tafi. Past tense. Vide note on ™yd zo (No. i , Part II).
6 Na je na tar as. Aorist tense. Vide note on I3yd zo (No. i,
Part II).
6 Kdshe. Note long d. Kashe is a different word.
7 Nd je . . . naa kayar. Aorist and future tense. Vide note on
lsj>d zo (No. i, Part II).
8 Adaa = Adua.
9 Sabko. Note the idea of ' to me ', 'for me ' in the o termination.
Vide note on zkarbowa (No. i, Part I).
10 Guddno, ' ran and came here '. Vide above, 9 sabko.
11 Maatar. Note the definite article. Vide note on 7 dbkin nan
(No. i, Part I).
12 Kungurus. Vide note on 21 kungurus (No. i, Part II).
No. 25
1 Gdtanan. Vide note on 3 gdtanan (No. i, Part II).
2 Ya je . . . ya . . . ya name. Past tense. Vide note on uyd zo
(No. i, Part II).
8 Kyale. Spelt kele.
4 Kura. Vide note on 4 kura (No. 6, Part II).
5 Maatar sa. Vide note on 4 maatansa (No. i, Part II).
6 Gidan. Vide note on ^ dokin nan (No. i, Part I).
7 Kd sani . . . idan kd je. Aorist tense.
(No. i, Part II).
8 Mu giydra wuri. Here we have a record of an ancient heathen
custom among the Hausas before their conversion to Mohammedanism.
A similar custom is found among the Mang'anja of Nyassaland.
9 Naa . . . kaa. Future tense. Vide note on future tense under
™yd zo (No. i, Part II).
10 Kungurus. Vide note on 21 kungurus (No. i, Part II).
Vide note on lzyd zo
PART III. ANIMAL STORIES 305
No. 26
1 Alkume. Here also called bitzuzu, 'the dung beetle'. An
onomatopoetic word.
2 Gdtanan. Vide note on * gdtanan (No. i, Part II).
3 Ya yi. Past tense. Vide note on 13j/a zo (No. i, Part II).
4 Goya. Vide note on *gaya (No. 4, Part II).
5 Muzuru, ' a torn cat '. Fem. kyanwa. The torn cat is a regular
bad character according to the Hausas. Cats are nevertheless rather
held in awe by the Hausas. Cf. the status of cats in ancient Egypt.
6 Kura. Vide note on 4 kura (No. 6, Part II).
7 Fa ji. Aorist tense. Vide note on I3yd zo (No. i, Part II).
8 Kareyd kashe . . . kura td. This story contains excellent examples
of the past and aorist tenses all through ; note the correctness with
which each is used in turn. Vide note on these tenses under I3_yd zo
(No. i, Part II).
' Sannu. Vide note on " sannu (No. 5, Part II).
10 Hata. Arabic = har.
11 Alkali. Arabic = kadan.
12 Karfi. Vide note on ™ Karfi (No. 9, Part II).
13 Kungurus. Vide note on 21 kungurus (No. i, Part II).
No. 27
1 Gizo. Vide note on 2S gizo (No. 6, Part II).
2 Sun. Su, ' to look for anything in the water '. Cf. the Fante
root su, ' water ', but this is probably only a coincidence.
3 Fa kdma. Past tense. Vide note on 13j/a zo (No. i, Part II).
4 Banda, ' to roast over a fire '.
5 Makwarwa. Also fakara.
6 Naayi. Vide note on the future tense under 13j>a z<? (No. i,Part II).
7 Kyale. Spelt kele.
8 Banke. As buga.
9 Karfi. Vide note on ™karfi (No. 9, Part II).
0 Churakai. Churaki, an iron skewer about 12 in. long, the point
slightly bent, used^to burn the skins of horses, donkeys, and cattle, to
cure them of colds.
1«B 2 TJ
306 NOTES
11 Chuwai. Supposed to imitate the burning flesh.
12 Maalar. Vide note on * maatansa (No. i , Part II).
13 Asha. Not to be confused with ashe, ' indeed ', ' truly ', which is
a different word.
14 Ya fi. Aorist tense. Vide note on lsj>d zo (No. i, Part II).
15 Nd ji. As above, uydfi.
16 Zdkin. Note the definite article. Vide note on 7 dokin nan (No. i ,
Part I).
17 Kaa gam'. Vide note on the future tense under ™yd zo (No. i,
Part II).
18 Kaa ga. As above, 17 kaa gani.
19 Kungurus. Vide note on 21 kungurus (No. i, Part II).
.No. 28
1 Gizo. Vide note on Kgizo (No. 6, Part II).
2 Yaji . . . (fa su-ka-komo. Past tense. Vide note on I3jrd zo (No. i,
Part II).
3 Zaa shi. Vide note on future tense under ™yd zo (No. i, Part II).
4 Su-na-chin. Vide note on 8 aka-boye (No. i , Part I). Here chi
is a verbal noun.
5 Daa. Vide note on 16 daa (No. 12, Part II). Here the daa in
conditional sentence is omitted. Or the daa here may be for dd, ' of
old ', ' long ago '.
6 Shdmu. For samu. Imitating the spider's supposed lisp.
7 Ydyi, ' straws ', ' refuse '. Possible derivation, yas> ' to cast out '.
8 Td yi. Aorist tense. Vide note on ™yd zo (No. i, Part II).
9 Yd yi. As 8 td yi above.
10 Aydhu akubai = Aluhu akubar. Cf. esMmu above.
11 Naa zo. Vide note on the future tense under ™yd zo (No. i, Part II).
12 Tsugune. Present participle. Vide note on ™zamne (No. i, Part II).
13 La iya\ For la ila'. Vide note on 19 la ild (No. 8, Part II).
14 Ku bai = Ku ban'. Imitating the spider.
16 Nd gani . . ., naa tafi. Nd, aorist, naa, future. Vide note on
13 yd zo (No. i, Part II).
16 Kungurus. Vide note on 21 kungurus (No. i, Part II).
PART III. ANIMAL STORIES 307
No. 29
1 Gizo. Vide note on n gizo (No. 6, Part II).
2 Maata. Vide note on * maatansa (No. i, Part II).
3 Wake, 'bean'.
4 Ta haifi) ta ... ta . . . Past tense. Vide note on ™yd zo (No. i,
Part II).
8 Dan. Note the definite article. Vide note on 7 dokin nan (No. i ,
Part I).
6 Tanbo. As kango.
7 Sdniar nan. Cf. 13 dokin nan (No. i , Part I).
8 Na komo. Aorist tense. Vide note on I3ya zo (No. i, Part II).
9 Naa yi. Future tense. Vide note on l*yd zo (No. i, Part II).
10 Shauki. Sauki.
" Yayafa. Rarafa.
12 Dadi. Note </«</*' is a different word, means 'sweet'.
13 Banbaddwa. Followers of a chief who sing his praises.
14 Tunloja. Tujewa, ' to pluck '.
18 Tafia tasa. Vide note on u tafia tasa (No. i, Part I).
18 Kungurus. Vide note on 21 kungurus (No. i, Part II).
No. 30
1 Gizo. Vide note on w gizo (No. 6, Part II).
2 Ya tafi . . .ya che. Past tense. Vide note on 13_ya zo (No. i, Part II).
3 Shaki yuwa, ddyina. Sarkin rua, donna, to imitate the supposed
lisp of the spider.
4 Ta yi. Aorist tense. Vide note on ™yd zo (No. i, Part II).
5 Taa ba. Future tense. Vide note on the future tense under ™ya
zo (No. i, Part II).
6 Maatarsa. Vide note on 4 maatansa (No. i, Part II).
7 Gizama na koki. Kdki, ' the praying mantis ', said by the Hausas
to be the wife of the spider.
8 Yanju . . . shaki . . . Imitating the spider.
9 Maatansa. Better maatarsa.
10 Bajimsd. Bajamsu on the Volta river, north of Kratchi.
11 Dokin. Note the definite article. Vide note on 7 dokin nan (No. i,
Part I).
12 Ta ba. Aorist. Vide note on ™ya zo (No. i, Part II).
18 No. jawd, nd kawd. As above, 12 id ba.
14 Kungurus. Vide note on 21 kungurus (No. i, Part II).
U 2
3o8 NOTES
PART IV. CUSTOMS AND ARTS
No. 31
1 Babi. Arabic, 'gate', 'gateway'. Hence 'entrance', 'beginning'.
2 Alaada. Arabic. Also ada, 'custom', 'religious observance'.
3 Suna. Note long vowel. Suna is a different word.
4 Nana. Nanga.
5 Ka gam'. Aorist tense. Vide note on " yd zo (No. i, Part II).
6 Gu. Wuri.
7 Kyale. Spelt kele.
8 Sadu. Gamu.
9 Uban. Note the definite article. Vide note on 7 doktn nan (No. i,
Part I).
10 Kurdialif. Equivalent to 6d. English currency ; 500 cowries = 3<f.
11 Kworia guda. A standard of currency, 100 kola nuts value IQS.
12 Ma/an. Vide note on 4maatansa (No. i, Part II).
13 Marmarin. Plur. marmaruna, 'sexual desire'. Used of the
female for the male.
14 Shata, ' slashed white cloth '.
18 Ldlata. Lit. ' worthless ', i. e. it is something thrown in as it were.
16 Lale. A decoction of the leaves of the Lawsonia inermis.
Henna, used by the Hausas to stain the nails ; in the case of a bride
the whole feet are stained up to the ankles, the hands to the wrists.
. 17 Jawabi. Arabic = magana.
18 Daro. As tasa.
19 Ta zuba. A drop of the henna is put on the girl, and as soon as
this is done the person who has done so sounds the guda. Vide note
* guda (No. 1 6, Part II).
20 Abuyar amaria. Vide note on Z3aZ>uya(No. 5, Part II). This
custom of having a pretence bride is probably a survival, and was
intended to distract the attentions of any evil spirits from the true bride.
21 Zaa. Su understood.
22 Guda. Vide note on 'guda (No. 16, Part II).
23 Ta je. Aorist tense. Vide note on I3_ya zo (No. i, Part II).
24 Dakin mijinta. Each wife has a hut of her own, where she
sleeps. When the husband wants a particular wife he does not go
to her hut but she comes to his sleeping-place, called turaka.
25 Kari. As kyeauta.
PART IV. CUSTOMS AND ARTS 309
No. 32
1 Late. Vide note on ulale (No. 31, Part IV). The bridegroom is
supposed to have this done without warning. The writer's malam
was touched with henna when at prayers.
2 Haila. Arabic. Hausa idiom, yin jini, paske salla.
3 Wa klla. Arabic. In Hausa, wadansu sun/adz.
4 Suna. Cf. suna, ' a name '.
5 Matansa. Vide *maaiansa (No. i, Part II).
No. 33
1 Faslun. Note the definite article in the rufua bissa biu. Vide
note on ' dokin nan (No. i, Part I).
2 Ya ji. Aorist tense. Vide note on I3_ya zo (No. i, Part II).
3 Waliyina. Arabic, ' guardian ' (wait). The person who gives the
bride away, father, mother, or guardian. The dower, sadak (Hausa
sadaki), is fixed by the guardian, and no marriage can take place
unless the woman is so represented. Waklli used in a similar sense.
4 Ldmu. Yerda.
5 Kurdi alfin. 2,000 cowries, value is.
6 Goro hamsin. Vide note on " kworia guda (No. 31, Part IV).
7 Abuyar amaria. Vide note on 20 abuyar amaria (No. 31, Part IV).
No. 34
1 Waklli. Vide note on *waliyina (No. 33, Part IV).
2 Tardlta. Yerda.
3 Alahuma . . . wasalim. These lines are Arabic.
4 Alahuma . . . amin. As above.
5 Ya wakilche: Ya che.
6 Nakadan. Arabic.
7 Ajalan. Arabic.
No. 35
1 Faslun. Note the double rufua bisa the definite article. Vide
note on 7 dokin nan (No. i, Part I).
2 Ya. Aorist tense. Vide note on ™ya zo (No. i, Part II).
3 Azana suna. Note the idiom for naming a child is zana suna.
Suna, long u. Suna is a different word.
310
NOTES
No. 36
1 Faslun. Vide note on lfaslun (No. 35, Part IV).
2 Alahuma . . . majidun. Arabic.
3 Fdtimata ko Hadijatu. The first a daughter, the second a wife,
of Mohammed.
4 Wanzdmai. The infant's head is shaved.
No. 37
1 Bdbun. Vide note on *£a£z (No. i, Part II).
a Sha gaba, ' to circumcise ' ; also kdchia. As applied to a woman,
makasche.
3 Rame. A small hole about half a foot across is dug, and the
foreskin is buried in it.
4 Aririke. Reduplicated from rika.
6 Yd warke. Aorist tense. Vide note on ™yd zo (No. i, Part II).
6 Wurin. Note the definite article. Vide note on 7 dokin nan (No. i,
Part I).
No. 38
1 Faslun. Vide note on lfaslun (No. 35, Part IV).
2 Kdchiar. Also makasche,
3 Mdta. Vide note on *maatansa (No. i, Part II).
4 Maatar nan. Definite article. Vide note on ' dokin nan (No. i,
Part I).
8 Kama, ' seize and draw towards ', the latter idea expressed in the
o termination of the verb. Vide note on *karbozva (No. i, Part I).
6 Shard. As above, 8 kdm 5, ' cutting towards ', o termination.
7 Sdboni. Soap made of ashes (wood).
No. 39
1 Bdbun. Vide note on 2&z3/(No. i, Part II).
2 Alkibla. Gabas.
3 Kabri. Arabic. Hausa kushewa.
4 Wdta fudu da kwdna goma. The idat period of retreat, enjoined
by Mohammedan law. Idat, Arabic ; in Hausa takaba.
PART IV. CUSTOMS AND ARTS 311
No. 40
1 Faslun. Vide note on lfaslun (No. 35, Part IV).
3 Agina wata karama chiki. A ledge is thus formed all round on
which the cross-sticks are laid, the idea being of course to keep the
earth from falling on the body.
Compare the mudzi of the Mananja grave, where an ordinary pit
is first dug and then a side niche or room made in which the body is
placed.
3 Asasdre. Note the reduplication.
4 Karfl. Vide note on 10 karft (No. 9, Part II).
5 Amaida gabansa gabas. The corpse is laid full length, lying on
its right side, the head to south, feet to north. The grave is very
narrow, just wide enough to let the body in sideways.
6 Yd kare. Aorist tense. Vide note on I3j>d zo (No. I, Part II).
No. 41
1 Yd kdre. Aorist tense. Vide note on l*yd zo (No. i , Part II).
No. 42
1 Bdbun. Vide note on *bdbi (No. i, Part II).
2 Chiniki. Any kind of trade or business.
3 Yd halalla. Vide note on I3yd zo (No. i, Part II).
4 Chin kura. Lit. 'the eating of the hyena'. Vide note on *kura
(No. 6, Part II).
5 Kausuwa. Also kasua.
6 Sha jiki. Lit. 'drink the body'. Any second-hand garment is
so called.
7 Zanbar dari. 100,000 cowries == 50^.
8 Nd rage . . . naa saye. Aorist and future. Vide note on 13j>d zo
(No. i, Part II).
9 Muu. Future tense. Vide note on ™yd zo (No. i, Part II).
10 Iddnu guda data. Vide note on 13 iddnu guda (No. 6, Part II).
11 Murgu. Work done by a slave who is away from his master
for the time being.
3" NOTES
No. 43
1 Td game. Aorist tense. Vide note on 13j>a zo (No. i, Part II).
2 Fa fadi. As above. Aorist tense.
No. 44
1 Bismi aldhi alrahmani alrahimi. Pronounce bismi 'Idhi 'rahmani
'rahimi. Vide note on 1 bismi aldhi (No. i, Part I).
2 Mutun mutumi. Brass castings ; ' Benin ' figures.
3 Karfe. Vide note on 10 karfi (No. 9, Part II).
4 Ashainya rdna shi bushe. This is the first stage in the process
of making. Vide Plate III, Fig. i a, and Plate II, Fig. i b.
5 Shi-na-walkza. Here ends the second stage of the process.
Vide Plate III, Fig. 2 a, and Plate II, Fig. 2 b.
6 Zankdyen. Note the definite article. Vide note on 7 'dokin nan
(No. i, Part I).
7 Yd hare. Aorist. Vide note on ™yd zo (No. i, Part II).
8 Yd gama. As above, ^yd kdre.
9 Mutun mutumin. Note the definite article. Vide note on 7 dokin
nan (No. i, Part I).
10 Saanan aparpashe. This final stage is illustrated in Plates II
and III, Figs. 3 a and 3 b.
The following notes are from an article by Professor Henry
Balfour, which appeared in the Journal of the Royal Anthropological
Institute ', vol. xl, 1910:
' Of the specimens secured by Mr. Rattray, the clay head (Plates
II and III, Figs, i a and i b}, which forms the first stage in the
process, is 27 cm. high, and is carefully fashioned to form the core
on which the wax model may be built. It is of well-worked clay, and
while accurately shaped as regards the general outline of the desired
design, is not worked up in detail, and has no suggestion of ears and
other surface details. It is merely the base on which the wax may
be spread to a more or less uniform thickness. The core is hollow,
with a view no doubt of giving it an equal thickness with that of the
outer casting-mould so as to admit of a uniform rate of heating and
of cooling throughout the mass.
' Figs. 2 a and 2 b show a similar clay core enveloped in the finished
wax model. In this brass model all the details required in the brass
PART IV. CUSTOMS AND ARTS 313
casting appear. The wax is of an average thickness of about 3 mm.,
the ears being much thinner and unsupported by the core.
' In the next stage (Figs. 3 a and 3 b, also Figs. 4 and 5) the wax
model having been first completely encased in clay to a thickness
varying from about 1-5 cm. to 3-3 cm., is melted and allowed to
escape through the duct (seen in Fig. 3 a (at a) and in Fig. 5) which
is left for the purpose. The molten brass is poured in through the
same duct, and if the casting is successful completely fills the space
formerly occupied by the wax, the result being an exact replica of the
wax model in brass.
' Some of Ali's designs in brass are fairly ambitious, as may be
seen in the examples shown in Plates I and II. In II is seen a chief
on horseback attended by his wives, one with a child on her back,
and sundry retainers ; at the top a lion surrounded by four cocks.
Fig- 4- Fig. 5.
' The other piece (Plate I) has a male and female figure each about
50 cm. high, designed to form supporters of a pair of small elephant's
tusks. Behind each figure is a dog. The large hollow cast head
suspended between the figures is hung from a short flat bar furnished
with two rings set at an angle so that they could be slipped over the
points of the tusks, from which the head was suspended.
' The links seen hanging below the head are for attaching to the
loose links upon two rings fitting round the tusks about halfway
down, by which the head was held steady and prevented from
swinging. Mr. Rattray tells me that these elaborate designs are
probably now purely fanciful, and without any special symbolic
meaning or obvious utility.
' Although the products of Ali's foundry fall far short of the finer
bronze castings of the old artists of Benin, they are none the less
a very creditable production, and betray considerable knowledge of
the higher cire perdue technique. They are interesting, not only as
3i4 NOTES
examples of a slightly degenerate survival of a once flourishing local
art, but also as giving an insight into the details of the process
whereby the wonderful ancient Benin bronze castings were achieved.'
No. 45
1 Babun. Vide note on 2 bdbi (No. i, Part II).
2 Gashin. Note the definite article. Vide note on 7 doktn nan (No. i,
Part I).
No. 46
1 Yd yi. Aorist. Vide note on ™yd zo (No. i, Part II).
2 Nd chi, nd . . . kd ga bdkina. Note the aorist tense. Vide note
above, 1yd yi.
The mdlam who wrote this understood the book ended here. The
proverbs were added later, and are written by a different hand.
PART V. PROVERBS
1 Muzuru. Vide note on 5muzuru (No. 26, Part III).
2 Baje. A dance.
3 Bunga. A single mound of earth in which the Indian corn is
planted. Cf. kunya, ' a long furrow '.
4 Agwdgwa. Only fowls are offered as sacrifices.
5 Wa masani . . . sat wdwa ? This is supposed to be said to a man
who is remonstrating with another because he is lavish in what he
gives his relations.
6 Kd kore. Aorist tense. Vide note on I3_yd zo (No. i, Part II).
7 Kinwa. Pronounce kyanwa. Vide note on 5muzuru (No. 26,
Part III).
8 Akwia . . . kunne. If a goat is troublesome and is always going
into a hut and upsetting things it is caught and its ears are slit.
9 Gdtari ga ndma . . . wuta. Said to two persons who have been
vowing vengeance against each other by a third person who sees them
meet, to egg them on.
10 Gidansu. Note only the head of the household will say gidana,
PART V. PROVERBS 315
'my house'; any other member of the family will say gidamu, so
gidansa would only be used when speaking of the owner. Here the
son is spoken of, hence gidansu, not gidansa.
11 Addwa. Arabic. Hausa, kiyaya.
12 Dan karamin tsuguni. An expression used to denote a small
settlement.
13 Lale. Vide note on ulale (No. 31, Part IV).
14 Iddnun. Note the definite article. Vide note on 7 dokin nan
(No. i, Part I). Note the singular pronoun ya.
15 Mara. Vide note on " mar a (No. 5, Part II).
16 Gudin. Probably gwodin. Gwoda, ' to show '.
17 Wlar nika . . . td kdre. Grain is ground (between two flat stones).
The first grinding (pashe) is gathered up and re-ground; this second
grinding is called tushi.
18 Ddkin. P. 276, Proverb No. 128. Ddkin kasa da kasa. An
all mud house, called soro.
19 Mdku. Chief of Bida in the Nupe country.
20 Tamat. Arabic. Hausa, yd kdre, 'it is finished'.
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